9-1-221. Tribal liaison program; qualifications of liaisons; removal; duties.

(a) There is created a tribal liaison program. The purpose of the program shall be to encourage mutual respect, understanding and leadership between the state and the Northern Arapaho tribe and the Eastern Shoshone tribe.

(b) The governor shall select and employ two (2) persons to serve as tribal liaisons and to administer the tribal liaison program as provided in this section. Before making a selection, the governor shall solicit a list of nominations from the Eastern Shoshone business council and the Northern Arapaho business council. The selection of the liaisons shall be with the advice and consent of the senate in accordance with W.S. 28-12-101 through 28-12-103. If the legislature has adjourned, the governor may make temporary selections in the manner provided for in W.S. 28-12-101(b). Each liaison shall be a qualified elector of the state and may be removed by the governor as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. The liaisons shall:

(i) Aid, assist and advise the governor on state-tribal relations including the coordination of programs and other activities between the state and tribal governments. The tribal liaisons may maintain offices within the state as directed by the governor;

(ii) Facilitate communication between the tribes and the office of the governor, executive branch agencies, the select committee on tribal relations and the legislature;

(iii) Stand for reappointment one (1) time every two (2) years unless sooner removed by the governor pursuant to W.S. 9-1-202 after consultation with the tribes.

(c) The governor's office, in conjunction with the tribal liaisons, shall report to the select committee on tribal relations on the successes, opportunities and future issues of the tribal liaison program on or before December 1 of each year.