Native American Cultural Protection and Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1994
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 722.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 1, 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protection of Native American Sacred Sites Title II: Traditional Use of Peyote Title III: Prisoners' Rights Title IV: Cultural and Religious Use of Eagles and Other Animals and Plants Title V: Jurisdiction and Remedies Title VI: Miscellaneous Native American Cultural Protection and Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1994 - Title I: Protection of Native American Sacred Sites - Grants access to cultural, ceremonial, or 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. (Sec. 103) Requires Federal agencies to manage their lands in ways that are consistent with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to identify lands with which Indian tribes (or Native Hawaiians) have historic, cultural, or religious ties. Sets forth Federal agency planning, notice and consultation, and other administrative requirements for proposed activities which may have an adverse impact on such lands. (Sec. 109) Establishes criminal sanctions for damaging sacred sites on tribal lands. 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 investigate the conditions of Native American prisoners with respect to their ability to engage in traditional cultural and religious practices. Title IV: Cultural and Religious Use of Eagles and Other Animals and Plants - Requires the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to provide Indian practitioners with access to eagles and their parts for use in traditional cultural and religious ceremonies. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and the Treasury and the Administrator of the General Services Administration to establish administrative procedures to govern the disposition of surplus wildlife and plants for such purposes. 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. Authorizes appropriations.
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Source last updated: Jun 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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