Montana agencies would consult tribes early and train key staff

State agencies would consult tribal governments early and develop written policies for working with them. State agencies would develop policies with representatives of every federally recognized tribe in Montana. Agencies and tribes would have to consider each other's views in good faith. Both governments could agree to skip formal consultation on a specific matter, with a written record of that agreement. Agencies would update their policies at least annually and send tribes the initial policy and each update.

State agencies would appoint a tribal contact employee and ensure covered leaders complete yearly training. Training would cover agency heads, tribal contact employees, board and commission members who decide matters affecting tribes, and managers of programs affecting tribes. Covered staff could take the specified training or an equivalent approved by the office of Indian affairs. Those staff could not make decisions on matters affecting tribes until they completed the training. Covered staff would complete training once each calendar year.