The California State Senate yesterday passed SB 18, a sacred sites protection bill entitled Traditional Tribal Cultural Places. The vote was 30 to 4. On August 20, bill was sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signature. If he does not veto or sign the bill within 30 days it becomes law. SB 18 requires consultation between county governments and tribes when counties are adopting or amending general plans or specific plans for major developments, and gives California tribes new tools to protect sacred places, such as being able to hold conservation easements and to include such places in open space designation. Read the text of the bill.