A bill to provide for the responsibilities of the department of natural resources, the state historic preservation office, and other state agencies concerning archaeology, Native American cultural items, and certain discoveries of human remains.
House Bill No. 5874 outlines the responsibilities of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and other state agencies concerning archaeology, Native American cultural items, and the discovery of human remains. The bill mandates the DNR to fulfill Michigan's archaeological responsibilities under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) of 1994, with specific exceptions. It requires the DNR to set priorities and best practices for archaeology on state-owned lands, identify and document archaeological resources, and manage these resources. The DNR is also designated as the primary contact for state agencies on non-federally assisted projects and must establish communication protocols with federally recognized tribes regarding archaeological investigations and discoveries of Native American human remains. The bill authorizes the DNR to issue permits for archaeological exploration on state-owned lands and collaborate with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on mining projects. Additionally, the DNR will serve as the contact for law enforcement agencies regarding the discovery of human remains and provide archaeological expertise to various state and federal entities, including the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The SHPO is tasked with ensuring equal access to the state archaeological site file for both department and SHPO archaeologists. Together, the DNR and SHPO must manage and curate state archaeological collections according to federal standards, maintain the accuracy of the state archaeological site file, and respond to information requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also outlines the collaborative responsibilities of state government archaeologists, including providing expertise and support to local, state, federal, and Native American tribal entities, complying with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and offering technical assistance and public education on archaeology. Within 60 days of the bill's effective date, state departments must update all relevant public information to align with the new legislation. The act explicitly excludes locations and activities under the jurisdiction of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
