This bill amends the structure and responsibilities of the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs. It establishes that the commission will consist of seven members who are residents of New Hampshire and enrolled in recognized tribes, specifically the Abenaki or other Native Americans. The bill stipulates that only enrolled tribal citizens nominated by the chiefs of state-recognized Abenaki or federally recognized tribes can serve on the commission, and it prohibits tribal chiefs and their immediate family members from being eligible to avoid conflicts of interest. The commission is tasked with reviewing issues affecting Native Americans in New Hampshire, making recommendations for state recognition of the Abenaki, and assisting tribes with various social services and cultural preservation efforts.

Additionally, the bill outlines the commission's operational procedures, including the requirement for a quorum, the election of officers, and the frequency of meetings. It mandates that the commission submit an annual report detailing its activities and recommendations to various state officials, starting from November 1, 2026. The commission will be administratively attached to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and it is emphasized that the commission's duties do not confer any special rights or privileges beyond those granted by federal law to recognized tribes. The bill also includes provisions for accepting gifts and donations to support the commission's work.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-A:14-a