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Assembly concurs in Senate amendments to AB 977 to accelerate Native American repatriation and reburial procedures
Summary
Assemblymembers voted to concur in Senate amendments to AB 977, a bill aligning California law with CSU policy to improve timelines, transparency and consultation for repatriation and reburial of Native American human remains when tribes lack burial land; concurrence passed 68‑0.
The Assembly on Aug. 20 concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977, legislation intended to strengthen timelines and accountability for repatriation and reburial of Native American human remains and cultural items. Assemblymember Ramos described amendments reflecting California State University policy that establish procedures for tribes that lack available land to rebury repatriated remains.
Supporters framed AB 977 as a corrective to decades of delays in returning ancestors and cultural items to tribes, with Assemblymember Hadwick emphasizing the need for clear timelines, transparency and genuine tribal consultation: "Tribes should not have to beg or wait another 20 years for the return of what is rightfully theirs," she said.
Floor managers indicated broad support and the clerk reported a unanimous or near‑unanimous concurrence: 'I 68, no 0' and Senate amendments were concurred in. The measure will proceed as amended for further processing to the Governor (per typical concurrence procedures). The bill imposes procedural obligations and clarifies institutional responsibilities; implementation will depend on state agencies and campus compliance with new timelines and consultation requirements.
