ND
North Dakota House Bill HB1603

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1603

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Report Pass
2/10/25  
Refer
2/11/25  
Report Pass
2/18/25  
Engrossed
2/21/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Refer
3/28/25  
Report Pass
4/8/25  
Enrolled
4/14/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The establishment of a compliance committee is set to foster collaboration between state agencies and tribal representatives, enhancing the repatriation process of culturally significant items. This represents a significant state-level commitment to addressing historical injustices and aligns state law with federal mandates. By supporting repatriation efforts, the bill seeks to strengthen relationships between the state and Native American tribes, while also recognizing and restoring the cultural heritage of tribal communities in North Dakota.

Summary

House Bill 1603 focuses on appropriation for the state historical society aimed at ensuring compliance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The bill allocates $500,000 to support efforts specifically related to the protection and repatriation of Native American graves and culturally significant artifacts. The funds will be used to establish a compliance committee that includes tribal historic preservation officers from North Dakota tribes, ensuring that local tribes are actively involved in this process. This collaborative approach emphasizes respect and acknowledgment of the cultural heritage of Native Americans within the state.

Sentiment

Generally, the sentiment around HB 1603 appears to be positive, as it garners bipartisan support evidenced by the unanimous voting outcomes—87 to 0 in the House and 46 to 0 in the Senate. This suggests that lawmakers recognize the importance of honoring Native American heritage and aim to rectify past oversights in how Native graves and cultural resources are managed. The initiative has been largely framed as a step towards reconciliation and respect for Indigenous communities.

Contention

Notably, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of the allocated funds for any new scientific studies of Native American ancestral remains or burial properties, which could be a point of contention in discussions about further research in the area. This clause ensures that the focus remains solely on repatriation and compliance, emphasizing sensitivity towards Native American concerns regarding the treatment of ancestral remains. As a result, while there is broad support for the general objectives of the bill, discussions may arise regarding the restrictions placed on the use of funds, particularly concerning future engagements in historic preservation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1287

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the state historical society for the study and design of a monument recognizing native Americans killed at Whitestone Hill State Historic Site.

ND SB2018

Permit fees; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND HB1258

The protection of native pollinating insects in the state; to provide a report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2016

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1007

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the veterans' home; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a report.

ND HB1015

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1010

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the council on the arts; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2019

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the parks and recreation department; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

ND SB2014

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.