SB 5938-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides a unified means for handling both Indian and non-Indian graves and cemeteries.

Establishes a joint select legislative task force on human remains, with members as provided in this act. The task force shall consult with all interested Indian tribes throughout the state.

Requires the task force to study the issues surrounding the discovery of human remains, both Indian and non-Indian. The task force shall examine the legal processes used to dedicate graves and human remains as cemeteries, the legal process of decertifying a cemetery, and the legal process to permit the removal of human remains from property. The task force shall make findings and recommendations on how to ensure that all discoveries of human remains are reported, and how to ensure that all human remains, graves, and cemeteries are treated equally and with the respect due to a finite, irreplaceable cultural resource of the people of Washington.

Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 2007.