BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4451

By: Pacheco

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the state should designate and recognize the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation as a Native American Indian Tribe to make members eligible for certain government programs, services, and benefits. H.B. 4451 seeks to provide for that designation and recognition.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 4451 amends the Government Code to designate and recognize the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation as a Native American Indian Tribe exercising substantial governmental powers and duties. The bill establishes that the tribe is recognized as eligible for all programs, services, and other benefits provided to state-recognized Native American Indian Tribes by the state or federal government or by any other state because of the tribe members' status as Native American Indians.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.