SACRAMENTO – AB 2641, legislation introduced by Assemblymember Joe Coto, (D – San Jose) to protect sacred burial sites, was signed into law this past weekend. The bill is designed to provide additional protection to Native American sacred sites. While federal law exists that protects Native American sacred burial sites in specific circumstances, AB 2641 will strengthen those protections in the state of California and ensure the preservation of sacred burial grounds while enabling the state to achieve its development goals.

The bill will protect Native American burial sites and preserve the dignity of Native Americans by establishing a process for meaningful consultations involving all interested and affected parties. The bill has over 40 supporters including the sponsors, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and 17 other tribes, and organizations that include: California Tribal Business Alliance, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, and the California Catholic Conference, just to name a few. After a number of discussions and compromises, the California Business Industries Association removed their opposition to the bill.

“This bill is about equity and fairness and ensuring all Californians have an equitable place in determining the fate of their ancestors and their burial sites”, said Assemblymember Coto.