Economic development: federally recognized Indian tribes.

Existing law encourages and authorizes all state agencies to cooperate with federally recognized California Indian tribes on matters of economic development and improvement for the Indian tribes. Existing law provides that cooperation by state agencies with federally recognized California Indian tribes on those matters may include certain activities, but it may not include activities that promote gambling. This bill would, instead, provide that cooperation and consultation by state agencies with federally recognized California Indian tribes shall not be construed to include activities that promote gambling. This bill would require every state agency, on or before January 1, 2014, to adopt a policy to consult with federally recognized Indian tribes prior to the development of regulations, policies, rules, plans, or other actions that will significantly or uniquely affect that tribal community.