Proposed Draft Contact List Regulations

Tribal Consultation Period

The First Round Tribal Consultation Period ended on March 1, 2024. On January 19, 2024, the NAHC voted to approve a Second Round of tribal comment and consultations. The Second Round Tribal Consultation Period will occur once revisions are incorporated into the Draft Contact List Regulations.

The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) seeks the input of California Native American Tribes on the development of regulations concerning the qualifications and process for placement on the NAHC Contact List. The NAHC Contact List is used to determine which tribes meet the statutory definition of a “California Native American Tribe” and are eligible to engage in consultation for purposes of Senate Bill 18 (tribal consultation in land use planning); Assembly Bill 52 (California Environmental Quality Act tribal consultation); Most Likely Descendent identifications under Public Resources Code Section 5097.98; and which tribes meet the definition of “California Indian Tribe” for the purposes of Assembly Bill 275 (CalNAGPRA).

The NAHC is seeking early tribal consultation and input on the draft regulations to fully consider diverse tribal viewpoints, expertise, and values relative to the NAHC Contact List. Tribal consultation and input are critical to ensure that the NAHC meaningfully considers the unique circumstances of each California Native American tribe in planning, drafting, and implementing these regulations.

Proposed Draft Contact List Regulations

Open Meeting Act & Confidentiality FAQs

Contact List Origins & History

Contact List Regulations Questions for Consideration

Contact List Listening Session Dates

Summary of Comments (First Round Tribal Comment and Consultation Period)

Response to Comments – (to be posted after the review of the Summary of Comments)

Following the completion of the Tribal Consultation Period, the Proposed Draft Contact List Regulations will be reviewed and may be revised prior to entering the Rulemaking Process set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Additional information on the Rulemaking Process may be found on the Office of Administrative Law’s webpage.