Bill addresses relationship of tribes, state

A bill adopted by the Montana Legislature is intended to increase communication and cooperation between the state and tribal governments.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Rocky Boy, passed the state House by a final vote 86-14 on Friday. It had passed the Senate earlier.

"My hope is this will in many areas help state and tribal relations, also (with governments) on the local level," Windy Boy said Thursday.

The bill will be sent to Gov. Judy Martz for her signature. Windy Boy said Martz has supported the bill from the beginning.

Democrats Reps. Bob Bergren and John Musgrove, b...