An Act to protect Native American heritage

This bill (SD 2542) adopts the enforcement requirements of the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) for specific Massachusetts entities. It requires state-funded agencies, nonprofits registered under Massachusetts law, and other qualifying organizations to follow NAGPRA's rules when handling Native American funerary objects, human remains, sacred objects, or cultural patrimony. The bill directly affects these organizations by mandating compliance with existing federal penalties and procedures for repatriation. It does not create new protections but ensures Massachusetts entities receiving state funds adhere to established federal standards.