WA HB2435

Creates a new Legislative Office on Indian Affairs to provide educational and informational resources on tribal affairs to legislators, legislative staff, and the Office of the Code Reviser

Requires the office to provide annual mandatory training for professional legislative staff on tribal sovereignty, cultural awareness, government-to-government relationships, and best practices for policymaking affecting tribes

Director to be employed jointly by the Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, with authority to hire staff and enter contracts

Office complements but does not replace the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs; will not serve as a liaison between legislature and tribal leaders but may communicate with intertribal organizations

Training and related provisions take effect July 1, 2027; employees of the new office are excluded from collective bargaining under legislative labor relations statutes