In celebration of Native American Day, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a series of bills aimed at advancing the priorities of Native American tribes in California. Surrounded by tribal leaders from across the state at the Capitol, the Governor emphasized California’s commitment to honoring Native communities and addressing their unique needs.
The newly signed legislation includes policies aimed at strengthening protections for Native American youth, increasing access to social services, and improving education about California’s history.
Key Bills Signed:
- AB 81 (Assemblymember James C. Ramos, D-Highland) strengthens the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) by incorporating its protections into California law. This legislation ensures that Native American youth and families have more robust legal safeguards within the state’s welfare system.
- AB 2795 (Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno) reduces administrative hurdles for Native families accessing CalWORKS and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services through Indian Health Clinics, providing crucial social supports to vulnerable communities.
- AB 1821 (Assemblymember Ramos) updates California’s school curriculum to include the treatment and perspectives of Native Americans during the Mission and Gold Rush periods, offering students a more comprehensive understanding of the state’s history.
- SB 310 (Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa) authorizes agreements between the California Natural Resources Agency and federally recognized tribes to facilitate cultural burns, an ancestral practice for managing land, within tribal territories.