Fines for disturbing Native American graves will now automatically rise with inflation

The Interior Department will now automatically adjust civil penalties for violations of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to keep pace with inflation. This means the fines for disturbing Native American graves or cultural items will maintain their deterrent effect over time, without requiring new legislation.

For decades, the real value of fines has eroded quietly as inflation chipped away at their purchasing power. This change means the financial penalty for violating NAGPRA will remain constant in real terms. It ensures that the cost of non-compliance does not become cheaper over time, which could otherwise encourage bad actors.