Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1471
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Advisory bodies
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Archaeology and anthropology
Cemeteries and funerals
Charitable contributions
Civil actions and liability
Crimes against property
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Customs enforcement
Department of the Interior
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Evidence and witnesses
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal-Indian relations
Government information and archives
Historical and cultural resources
Income tax deductions
International organizations and cooperation
Licensing and registrations
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Right of privacy
Smuggling and trafficking
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Trade restrictions
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 

2021

 
This bill prohibits the exportation of Native American cultural items and archaeological resources that were illegally obtained; provides for the return of such items, including voluntary returns; and establishes and increases related criminal penalties. 
 
The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of State to each designate a liaison to facilitate and hold trainings and workshops on the voluntary return of human remains and cultural items.
 
Additionally, Interior must 
 
 
refer individuals and organizations to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to facilitate the voluntary return of human remains and cultural items; 
 
convene an interagency working group; and 
 
convene a Native working group consisting of representatives of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to provide advice on issues concerning the return of, and illegal trade in, human remains and cultural items. 
 
 
The bill also increases from 5 years to 10 years the maximum prison term for an individual convicted of selling, purchasing, using for profit, or transporting for sale or profit human remains or cultural items that were illegally obtained.

action_date: 2021-07-28
text: 

Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 

2021

 
This bill prohibits the exportation of Native American cultural items and archaeological resources that were illegally obtained; provides for the return of such items, including voluntary returns; and establishes and increases related criminal penalties. 
 
The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of State to each designate a liaison to facilitate and hold trainings and workshops on the voluntary return of human remains and cultural items.
 
Additionally, Interior must 
 
 
refer individuals and organizations to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to facilitate the voluntary return of human remains and cultural items; 
 
convene an interagency working group; and 
 
convene a Native working group consisting of representatives of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to provide advice on issues concerning the return of, and illegal trade in, human remains and cultural items. 
 
 
The bill also increases from 5 years to 10 years the maximum prison term for an individual convicted of selling, purchasing, using for profit, or transporting for sale or profit human remains or cultural items that were illegally obtained.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-28
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 109.
action_date: 2021-07-28
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Schatz without amendment. With written report No. 117-33.
action_date: 2021-07-28
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Schatz without amendment. With written report No. 117-33.
action_date: 2021-05-26
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate