North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1603

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the state historical society for Native American grave protection and repatriation compliance efforts.

Summary

House Bill No. 1603 appropriates $500,000 from the North Dakota general fund to the state historical society for compliance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The funding is designated for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, and aims to support the repatriation of culturally significant items, including human remains and funerary objects, to North Dakota tribal nations. The bill establishes a compliance committee that includes tribal historic preservation officers and representatives from the state historical society, Indian affairs commission, and the attorney general's office to oversee these efforts.

Impact

The bill will enhance state compliance with federal laws regarding the protection and repatriation of Native American graves and cultural items. By establishing a compliance committee and providing funding, it aims to facilitate the repatriation process and strengthen relationships between the state and tribal nations. The requirement for tribes to provide matching funds encourages collaboration and investment in these compliance efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1603 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both the House (87-0) and Senate (46-0). This reflects a strong bipartisan support for the initiative and recognition of the importance of addressing historical injustices related to Native American graves and cultural heritage.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention reported in the discussions or voting history regarding HB1603. The bill has received broad support from both legislative chambers, suggesting a consensus on the importance of the issues it addresses. However, the bill explicitly prohibits new scientific studies of Native American ancestral remains, which may be a point of discussion in future legislative contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1603

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the state historical society for Native American grave protection and repatriation compliance efforts.

ND HB1438

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the state historical society for a historic theater restoration grant program.

ND HB1264

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the state historical society for improvements at Whitestone Hill state historic site.

ND HB1018

Jurisdiction of the heritage center; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1536

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of public instruction to implement a Native American history curriculum; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2147

The skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs, Native American scholarships, and the North Dakota scholarship; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1567

AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study relating to dental and oral health care status among Medicaid recipients and workforce support to improve access for low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities.

ND HB1303

The prohibition of sanctuary city policies and to create the sanctuary compliance fund; to provide a penalty; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

ND HB1014

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the protection and advocacy project.

ND SB2015

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to authorize a line of credit; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an exemption.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.