The office shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)  To administer the programs relative to Louisiana Indians.

(2)  To collect facts and statistics and conduct special studies of conditions pertaining to the employment, health, education, financial status, recreation, social adjustment, or other conditions affecting the welfare of the Indian people.

(3)  To provide for a mutual exchange of ideas and information on national, state, and local levels.

(4)  To make recommendations to the governor and to the legislature for needed improvements and additional resources to promote the welfare of the Indians in the state.

(5)  To coordinate the services of all agencies in the state serving the Indians and to require reports from such state agencies and institutions.

(6)  To serve as the official negotiating agent of the state upon which federally recognized tribes in the state of Louisiana may serve notice of any request to negotiate state tribal compacts.

(7)  To make recommendations to the governor for the composition of the negotiating team for the state.

(8)  To make recommendations regarding proposed compacts and submit them to the governor for his approval and signature.

(9)  To prepare and submit an annual report to the legislature and to the governor.

(10)  To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations that are deemed necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Added by Acts 1980, No. 702, §2, eff. July 24, 1980; Acts 1987, No. 213, §1; Acts 1993, No. 275, §2, eff. July 1, 1993.

{{NOTE:  SEE ACTS 1993, NO. 275, §3.}}