diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index ad8215e93..d8e09ff1e 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -14,3 +14,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 1.2.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 1.12.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 1b5853967..3650d1268 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -55,6 +55,19 @@ branchProtectionRules:
     requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
     requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
     requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
+  - pattern: 1.12.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - cla/google
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
 permissionRules:
   - team: Googlers
     permission: pull