Protect Culturally Sensitive Information Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6206
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6206Native Americans
Protect Culturally Sensitive Information Act
INTRO NOV 20· LAST ACTION NOV 20
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue of trust and transparency between federal agencies and Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Historically, these groups have been reluctant to share sensitive cultural information due to fears that it could be misused, publicly exposed, or lead to the disturbance of sacred sites.
If this bill becomes law, it would encourage greater cooperation and partnership between Native groups and the government, particularly in areas like managing shared lands, protecting heritage sites, and facilitating the return of cultural items. Without this law, sensitive information remains vulnerable to public disclosure, which could lead to exploitation, desecration of sacred sites, or appropriation of cultural practices, making Native groups less likely to engage in crucial dialogue with federal authorities.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Allows Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations or their authorized representatives to designate certain information as culturally sensitive.
This empowers Native groups to identify and protect information vital to their cultural heritage, ensuring it is handled with respect and privacy.
PROVISION 02
Exempts designated culturally sensitive information from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
This is a key protection, preventing public access to private cultural details that could otherwise be released to anyone who requests them.
PROVISION 03
Requires federal agencies to consult with Native groups on how to store and share culturally sensitive information and provides procedures for limited release if legally compelled.
This ensures that agencies manage the information respectfully and gives Native groups a say in its handling, even under court order.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that consultations involving culturally sensitive information can be closed to the public at the request of a Tribal Government or Authorized Representative.
This creates a private and safe environment for discussions where sensitive cultural details can be shared without fear of public exposure.
This bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue of trust and transparency between federal agencies and Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Historically, these groups have been reluctant to share sensitive cultural information due to fears that it could be misused, publicly exposed, or lead to the disturbance of sacred sites.
If this bill becomes law, it would encourage greater cooperation and partnership between Native groups and the government, particularly in areas like managing shared lands, protecting heritage sites, and facilitating the return of cultural items. Without this law, sensitive information remains vulnerable to public disclosure, which could lead to exploitation, desecration of sacred sites, or appropriation of cultural practices, making Native groups less likely to engage in crucial dialogue with federal authorities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations or their authorized representatives to designate certain information as culturally sensitive.
This empowers Native groups to identify and protect information vital to their cultural heritage, ensuring it is handled with respect and privacy.
high
Exempts designated culturally sensitive information from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
This is a key protection, preventing public access to private cultural details that could otherwise be released to anyone who requests them.
med
Requires federal agencies to consult with Native groups on how to store and share culturally sensitive information and provides procedures for limited release if legally compelled.
This ensures that agencies manage the information respectfully and gives Native groups a say in its handling, even under court order.
med
Mandates that consultations involving culturally sensitive information can be closed to the public at the request of a Tribal Government or Authorized Representative.
This creates a private and safe environment for discussions where sensitive cultural details can be shared without fear of public exposure.
Not later than 3 business days after such order takes effect
Agencies must notify applicable Tribal Governments or Authorized Representatives of an intention to comply with a lawful order (subpoena) for disclosure of culturally sensitive information.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act (subject to exceptions)
Heads of each agency shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding this Act.
GLOSSARY
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Indian Tribe
Any federally recognized Native American or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, or community listed by the Secretary of the Interior.
Alaska Native Entity
An organization like a Native Corporation or an Alaska Native Association, as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Native Hawaiian Organization
An organization that represents and serves the interests of Native Hawaiians, with expertise in Native Hawaiian affairs.
Culturally sensitive information
Information about the location or features of culturally or religiously important sites (like burial grounds), cultural items, or the details of cultural or religious practices, which a Native group designates as private.
Cultural items
Objects considered sacred, or of cultural patrimony, or associated with funerary objects or human remains, as defined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Repatriation
The process of returning cultural items, including human remains, to their rightful Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian communities.
Agency
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
NOV 20, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 20, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Any executive department, military department, government corporation, government-controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the U.S. government.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
A law that gives the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency, with certain exemptions for protected information.
