STATE AND TRIBAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
(as of February 2005)
Date Enacted: 1984
Summary: The Idaho Protection of Graves law applies to all graves, cairns, human remains and artifacts on state and private lands. The law mandates reburial. No individual may willfully disturb any cairn or grave or remove artifacts or human remains. After January 1, 1984, no person may possess artifacts or human remains taken from a cairn or grave other than in authorized ways. The law prohibits public display or exhibition or the sale of human remains or artifacts taken from a cairn or grave. If a grave is going to be destroyed, the Idaho Historical Society and appropriate tribe are consulted. The site is excavated with the permission of the tribe; permission is assumed if no response is received within 60 days of notification. Reinterment of all human remains and artifacts after scientific study is assumed and takes place following scientific study and is done at the archaeologist's expense and under supervision of the tribe. Penalties are felonies and include up to $10,000 in fines and five years in prison. Civil penalties may also be assessed.
Online State Law Source: http://www3.state.id.us/
Permitting: The Idaho State Historical Society issues permits for archaeological excavation.
Penalties: Violations are considered a felony with fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to five years.
Review/Consultation Committee: A consultation process is established and carried out by the State Historical Society.
Indian Affairs Office/Department:
Tribal Websites:
Resources: Protection of Graves (Idaho Code §27-501, et seq.) and State Historic Society (Idaho Code §67-4113, et seq.), Crimes and Punishment (Idaho Code §18-111 through §18-113).
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