Section 41-9-710 Powers and Duties.

It shall be the duty of the commission to study, consider, accumulate, compile, assemble and disseminate information on any aspect of Indian affairs; to investigate relief needs of Indians of Alabama and to provide technical assistance in the preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs; to confer with appropriate officials of local, state, and federal governments and agencies of those concerned with Indian affairs to encourage and implement coordination of applicable resources to meet the needs of Indians in Alabama; to cooperate with and secure the assistance of the local, state and federal governments or any agencies thereof in formulating any such programs, and to coordinate such programs with any program regarding Indian affairs adopted or planned by the federal government to the end that the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission secure the full benefit of such programs; provided, however, that such commission is hereby authorized to directly seek and receive from the federal government any grants, funds, or other benefits which may be available for Indians; to review all proposed or pending legislation and amendments to existing state legislation affecting Indians in Alabama; and to conduct public hearings on matters relating to Indian affairs.