Committee advances SB 13 26 to strengthen tribal consultation and protect tribal cultural resources

SB 13 26, presented to the committee by Senator Wahab, would bolster tribal consultation under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers as authoritative sources and by prioritizing culturally appropriate mitigation and avoidance measures. John Williams, chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community, said the bill is "very important to my tribe," emphasizing the protection of tribal cultural resources such as grinding rocks.

Laura Miranda, legal counsel for the Pechanga Band of Indians, said the measure "recognizes tribal registers as an authoritative source" and asks lead agencies to consider tribal knowledge early in environmental review. Supporters framed the bill as correcting past practices where archaeologists could authorize adverse actions without adequate tribal input.

Cities and counties, represented by the League of California Cities and rural counties coalitions, expressed concern that the bill needs more clarity on how lead agencies should evaluate tribal registers and how feasibility determinations will work when multiple tribes identify overlapping cultural landscapes. The League said additional specificity is needed to avoid legal uncertainty and unintended delays to housing and infrastructure projects.

The author noted amendments to address feasibility and clarity concerns and committed to continue working with opponents. The committee adopted a do‑pass recommendation to appropriations; the author and sponsors said they will continue negotiations to refine language on consultation procedure and dispute resolution.

The committee’s action advances SB 13 26 for further consideration but does not yet resolve outstanding implementation questions raised by local agencies.