HOUSE BILL 306

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2020

INTRODUCED BY

Anthony Allison and D. Wonda Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO INDIAN AFFAIRS; CREATING THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL PROTECTION DIVISION IN THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; PRESCRIBING DUTIES; CREATING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 8, Article 5 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL PROTECTION DIVISION.--

          A. The "Native American cultural protection division" is created within the office of the attorney general. The division shall review, oversee and address concerns relating to the protection of Native American dances and songs as state cultural resources.

          B. The division shall consist of such personnel and have such duties as the attorney general shall designate.

          C. The division shall work in collaboration with the Indian affairs department and cultural affairs department to develop policies and legal mechanisms to protect Native American dances and songs as state cultural resources and to promote the proper use of Native American dances and songs. The attorney general shall consult with New Mexico pueblos, nations and tribes when developing the policies and legal mechanisms to protect Native American dances and songs.

          D. The attorney general shall report the findings and recommendations of the division to the legislature annually."

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