The Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to pass, as amended, a bill that repurposes prior repatriation language to fund compliance efforts and to help the State Historical Society meet updated federal requirements. The committee forwarded the measure to Appropriations by a 12-1 vote.

Why it matters: The bill would appropriate $500,000 for the two-year biennium for compliance activities and provide matching support of up to $100,000 to participating tribes. Members said the funding and the committee’s work respond to updated Department of the Interior expectations and federal regulations requiring state compliance.

Chairman Schauer reviewed information provided to members from the State Historical Society and explained the agency’s staffing and cost picture: “They have 1 FTE, 2 temporary employees, a hundred thousand dollars in operation cost, a hundred thousand dollars for hiring needed consultants,” he said, describing the society’s limited current capacity. The chairman and sponsor also told the committee that a recent update to federal rules requires the State Historical Society to come into compliance within five years.

Representative Schneider moved adoption of the amendment to change the bill from repatriation projects to compliance assistance; Representative Brown seconded the amendment. After discussion and a roll-call vote, the motion to pass the bill as amended and to refer it to Appropriations carried 12-1. Representative Wolfe cast the lone no vote.

Committee discussion emphasized priorities in the bill, with members saying reburial would be the top concern followed by inventory work. One member said there are “11,000,000 artifacts at the heritage center alone,” noting the scope of the inventory and repatriation work.

Next steps: The bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. Committee members said additional details and tribal participation logistics will be addressed in Appropriations and in the interim if the bill proceeds.