SB 1326: California Environmental Quality Act: tribal cultural resources: mitigation measures.

This bill aims to enhance the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by requiring public agencies to adopt mitigation measures to avoid or minimize significant adverse impacts on tribal cultural resources. The bill modifies the definition of tribal cultural resources to include sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, or objects with cultural value to California Native American tribes. Public agencies must consult with the tribe and consider their proposed mitigation measures, which may include avoidance and preservation of the resource. If avoidance is not feasible, the lead agency must document the basis for that determination and incorporate other measures to minimize impacts. The bill also requires the agency to explain its decision not to use tribal methods and standards or traditional knowledge if it elects not to do so. Finally, the bill excludes reimburs…