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Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993

Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 25, 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protection of Sacred Sites Title II: Traditional Use of Peyote Title III: Prisoners' Rights Title IV: Religious Use of Eagles and Other Animals and Plants Title V: Jurisdiction and Remedies Title VI: Miscellaneous Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993 - Title I: Protection of Sacred Sites - Requires Federal agencies to plan and manage their lands in ways that are consistent with Native American religious sites. Grants access to religious sites on Federal lands to Native American practitioners at all times, unless the President determines that national security interests are directly affected. Provides for the temporary closing of such areas to general public use in order to protect the privacy of religious or cultural activities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to identify lands with which an Indian tribe has historic or religious ties. Requires a Federal agency, before undertaking any activities on such land, to notify the Secretary and the affected tribe and refrain from such activities until the matter is resolved. (Sets forth a special rule for the Indian pueblos of New Mexico.) Provides for tribal authority over Native American religious sites on Indian lands. Establishes criminal sanctions for damaging Native American religious sites on Federal land. Title II: Traditional Use of Peyote - States that: (1) the use, possession, or transportation by an Indian of peyote for bona fide ceremonial use in a Native American religious activity is lawful and shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government or any State; (2) such activity may be reasonably regulated; and (3) specified provisions of Texas law shall remain applicable to such activity. Title III: Prisoners' Rights - Grants Native American prisoners access to traditional religious leaders, ceremonial materials, and religious facilities. Directs the Attorney General to establish the Commission on the Religious Freedom of Native American Prisoners. Title IV: Religious Use of Eagles and Other Animals and Plants - Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to: (1) develop a plan for access to eagles and other animals and plants for use in Native American religious activities; and (2) consult with Regional Advisory Councils (established by this Act) in such matters. Title V: Jurisdiction and Remedies - Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts for actions to enforce the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] · D–HI

Committees

  • Indian Affairs Committee
10 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

  2. Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

  3. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6456-6457)

  5. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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