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SF 57: Tribal Entities
2005 General Session
Sponsor: Select Water Committee
Legislator votes
by regions
Big Horn Basin
Casper-Area
Cheyenne-Area
Gillette-Area
Lander/Riverton-Area
Northeast/East Central
Sheridan-Area
South Central
Southwest
West Central


         In 2003, the Legislature authorized the Joint Business Council of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Indian tribes to participate in joint powers boards and to serve as sponsors for water development projects in the same manner as local governments.
         SF 57 authorized the business council of each tribe to independently participate in joint powers boards and serve as sponsors for water development projects, in addition to the joint business council of both tribes together.
         Supporters of SF 57 believed that allowing the business councils of both tribes, in addition to the joint business council, to work cooperatively with the state would best serve Shoshone and Arapaho citizens.
         While some concern was expressed about development of water projects on the reservation without adequate environmental protections or mitigation measures, there was no opposition to SF 57. The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously.