AB 52, Native American bill, passes committee with changes Consultation process still limited to federally recognized SACRAMENTO >> A bill that has galvanized Native Americans across the state passed out of committee Thursday, setting the stage for a vote on the Senate floor. In a victory for opponents, the bill was amended to include federally unrecognized tribes into the definition of Native American tribe. AB 52 was co-authored by Assemblymen Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, and Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville. The legislation would bolster the rights of federally recognized tribes but had unrecognized tribes concerned their rights were being scaled back. Morning Star Gali, tribal historic preservation officer for the Pit River Tribe, said the changes are still of concern. In particular, the bill still states a meaningful consultation process will take place between federally recognized California Native American tribal governments and lead agencies — not unrecognized. Its not what we wanted, Gali said. Galis tribe is federally recognized but has been a leader opposing the bill because of concern for tribes still petitioning for recognition. There are three unrecognized tribes in Monterey County. The bill was championed as a way to elevate federally recognized tribes to the same status as other government entities and force every project, under the California Environmental Quality Act, to be reviewed by the Native American Heritage Commission. An online petition on Causes to oppose AB 52 (bit.ly/1o8tGIB) had 7,332 signatures Friday afternoon. There are 110 federally recognized tribes in California and 78 tribal communities petitioning for recognition, according to the Judicial Council of California. The bill will be heard by the state Senate sometime before Aug. 31 and, if passed, goes to Gov. Jerry Browns desk. It still faces opposition from business groups, such as the California Association of Realtors and California Railroad Industry, for adding new restrictions to development. The current language presents significant obstacles for new public and private development across the state and opens up new avenues for CEQA litigation, read a June 19 letter to the state Senate signed by 18 business groups. montereyherald/news/ci_26345568/ab-52-native-american-bill-passes-committee-changes
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 03:51:11 +0000
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