Bill > AB52

This bill strengthens protections and consultation requirements for Native American cultural resources, particularly tribal cultural resources, across multiple areas of California state law. The bill clarifies and enhances government processes for consulting with Native American tribes, especially regarding land use planning, environmental reviews, and the protection of sacred sites and human remains. Key provisions include expanding the definition of tribal cultural resources, establishing more robust consultation requirements between government agencies and Native American tribes (with special considerations for federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes), and providing greater protections for Native American sacred places, burial sites, and cultural landscapes. The bill mandates that tribal information and knowledge be given significant deference in identifying and managing these resources, requires more transparent and meaningful consultation processes, and aims to preserve tribal cultural heritage by prioritizing avoidance and preservation of significant sites. The legislation also updates various sections of the Government Code and Public Resources Code to implement these changes, with the overarching goal of respecting tribal sovereignty and protecting Native American cultural resources from potential harm during development and land use projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB52