Under existing law, a state agency that communicates with Indian tribes on a regular basis is required to designate a tribal liaison. (NRS 233A.260) Section 1 of this bill requires instead that each such state agency employ a tribal liaison and provides that each tribal liaison is in the classified service of the State. Existing law requires a tribal liaison to: (1) assist the head of the state agency with ensuring the implementation of certain policies related to Indian tribes; (2) serve as a contact person and maintain ongoing communication between the state agency and certain Indian tribes; and (3) ensure that certain training is provided to the staff of the state agency. (NRS 233A.260) Section 1 revises the duties of a tribal liaison to require that a tribal liaison: (1) ensure open and consistent communication between each Indian tribe in this State and the state agency; (2) serve as the main representative of the state agency in meetings and other events with Indian tribes and tribal groups or organizations; (3) promote the use of certain land acknowledgement statements; (4) have an understanding of the history, customs and cultures of Indian tribes in this State; (5) establish protocols that prioritize tribal self-determination; (6) establish, manage and ensure adherence to tribal consultation policies; (7) advise administrators of the state agency on certain legislative and policy issues; (8) raise awareness and understanding of Indian tribes within each office and location of the state agency; and (9) promote equity. Existing law requires the Administrator of the Division of Human Resource Management of the Department of Administration to: (1) prepare, maintain and revise as necessary a classification plan for all positions in the classified service of the State; and (2) after consultation with appointing authorities and state fiscal officers, prepare a pay plan for all employees in the classified service. (NRS 284.160, 284.175) Section 2 of this bill requires the Administrator to, on or before October 1, 2023, establish the position of tribal liaison, as described in section 1, in the classification plan and pay plan for classified service. The pay plan must, with certain exception, set forth the range for the position of tribal liaison at a grade 36 to grade 38. Section 2 further sets forth certain minimum qualifications and preferences in hiring for the position of tribal liaison.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 233A.260
BDR: 233A.260