Bill · H.R. 6206· House(119-HR-6206)
Protect Culturally Sensitive Information Act
- Introduced
- 11/20/2025
- Last activity
- 11/20/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Teresa Leger Fernandez
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Protect Culturally Sensitive Information Act aims to protect the confidentiality of information shared by Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations with the Federal Government. It seeks to create a safe space for consultation to encourage the free exchange of ideas and build trust between these groups and the government. The bill focuses on protecting information regarding cultural or religious sites, items, and practices. It also intends to advance the repatriation of cultural items and human remains. Additionally, the Act supports the preservation of traditional and ceremonial practices.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill strengthens the protection of sacred sites, cultural items, and traditional practices for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill protects the confidentiality of culturally sensitive information for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+6
The bill provides mechanisms for tribes to protect the privacy of their cultural and religious information from public disclosure.
The opposite
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-4
The bill exempts certain culturally sensitive information from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Confidentiality and Trust: By protecting sensitive information, the bill aims to build trust and strengthen relationships between the Federal Government and indigenous groups (Section 2).
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Protection of Sacred Sites and Practices: Tribal Governments or their representatives can designate information about the location or attributes of significant sites, cultural items, or religious practices as "culturally sensitive" to prevent public disclosure (Section 4(a)).
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Control Over Information Handling: Agencies must consult with tribal leaders on how to store sensitive information and which other government entities can access it (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Mitigation of Harm during Legal Disputes: If a subpoena or lawful order requires the release of information, the agency must work with the tribe to mitigate adverse effects, such as requesting redactions or providing documents under seal (Section 4(b)(3)(A)).
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Private Consultations: At the request of a tribal government, meetings regarding sensitive cultural or religious topics can be closed to the public to ensure privacy (Section 4(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Mitigation of Compelled Disclosure: While the bill attempts to protect information, it acknowledges that information may still be released in response to a lawful order or subpoena (Section 4(b)(3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+6Improves Due Process+3Improves Government Transparency-4
- 12/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/20/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington