HBA-CMT H.C.R. 40 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.C.R. 40 By: Turner, Bob State, Federal & International Relations 3/11/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The United States Government acknowledged receipt of the Tap Pilam-Coahuiltecan Nation's petition for federal recognition in 1997, yet the tribe currently remains unrecognized by the State of Texas and the United States. There are now more than 550 federally recognized tribes in the United States. This unique designation conveys a legal relationship between these tribes or groups and the U.S. government. The Caohuiltecan tribe's distinguished history in Texas merits strong consideration for official acknowledgment from the State of Texas and the United States. Throughout history, the Coahuiltecans have played an integral role in the development of Texas, and the Native American tribes who were the first Texans have greatly enriched our shared heritage with their culture. House Concurrent Resolution urges the United States Congress to recognize the Tap Pilam-Caohuiltecan Nation as a tribal nation. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this resolution does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Concurrent Resolution 40 provides that the State of Texas hereby recognizes the Tap PilamCoahuiltecan Nation for its immeasurable contributions, and urges the United States Congress to recognize the Tap Pilam-Coahuiltecan Nation as a tribal nation.