Senate Bill No. 1027 aims to amend existing laws concerning the state's position on applications from federally recognized Indian tribes to convert fee interest land to federal trust status. The bill removes the previous mandate that the state oppose such applications, specifically deleting the language that stated, "the state shall oppose any application by a tribe... to convert any parcel of fee interest land to federal trust status." This change signifies a shift towards a more supportive stance, allowing tribes greater autonomy in managing their land without state interference.

Additionally, the bill revises the Employment Rights Code that tribes must adopt to receive state funds or services for commercial enterprises. The previous subsection (e) has been replaced with (d), detailing provisions for non-discrimination in hiring practices and labor organization rights. The bill also empowers the Governor to negotiate agreements with tribes that may establish additional employee rights beyond those outlined in the Employment Rights Code. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and the bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-57e
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-57e
File No. 328: 31-57e