California Indian Freedom Act of 2026.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, aims to protect the religious freedom and cultural practices of California Native American tribes. It prohibits state agencies from substantially burdening tribal religious beliefs on state public lands and requires agencies to seek free, prior, and informed consent before undertaking projects that could impact sacred sites. The bill also establishes confidentiality protections for information related to sacred sites and cultural landscapes, and clarifies definitions related to tribal rights and governmental actions.
Key provisions
- Prohibits state agencies from substantially burdening a California Indian or tribe’s exercise of religious beliefs or spiritual practices on state public lands.
- Requires state agencies to seek free, prior, and informed consent from affected tribes before undertaking projects impacting sacred sites.
- Establishes confidentiality protections for information identifying sacred sites, cultural landscapes, and religious practices.
- Defines key terms such as ‘California Indian,’ ‘sacred site,’ and ‘substantial burden.’
- Authorizes California Indians to assert violations as claims or defenses in legal proceedings.
- Requires the Department of General Services to uphold tribal religious freedom when accessing the State Capitol Building.
- Requires the Capitol Protective Section to avoid undue harm when handling tribal instruments and regalia.
- Revises the California Public Records Act to exempt information related to sacred sites and cultural landscapes.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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