Assemblymember Ramos presents AB 1881 on Assembly Floor:
Downloadable Link: https://vimeo.com/1196798501/47226ce556?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
YouTube Link: Assemblymember Ramos presents AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026: https://youtu.be/nlAMph9BeW4
SACRAMENTO—California Assembly members approved a measure establishing enforceable protections for the free exercise of California Indian religious and spiritual practices on state lands. The measure, AB 1881, is authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino).
“In a just world, there would be no need for this bill. Yet the State of California and the federal government have historically attempted to force assimilation on Native Americans. It’s a long litany of grievous wrongs. California’s First People have faced an exhortation from the first governor to exterminate Native Americans, abduction of their children and placement in boarding schools to ‘kill the Indian’ in them, and other laws prohibiting religious and cultural practices,” Ramos said. “Now we face the aftermath of that history, and that is why this bill is necessary,” he added.
AB 1881 would prohibit any state agency from substantially burdening a California tribe’s right to religious practices that others already enjoy, permit access to sacred sites on state public lands and permit the gathering of traditional plants, foods, and other materials essential to tribal religious practice. The measure would align state law with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that affirms the rights of Indigenous people to maintain their cultural traditions, access to and protection of sacred sites provided to other faiths.
Morning Star Gali, sponsor of the bill and Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Indigenous Justice, noted, "Today’s floor hearing on AB 1881 was about affirming that Indigenous peoples in California should not have to fight for the basic right to practice our religions, protect our sacred places, and carry forward our cultural lifeways without state interference.
‘AB 1881 strengthens protections for Tribal religious freedom, including ensuring there is no unnecessary state interference with Indigenous religious practice on state lands. This bill is about respect, accountability, and protecting future generations by honoring Tribal sovereignty, ceremony, and sacred sites."
AB 1881 prohibits state actions that substantially burden California Indian religious practice unless the government can demonstrate a compelling interest pursued through the least restrictive means. It also ensures that California Indians may carry sacred items without penalty and appropriate accommodations into the State Capitol.
Indigenous Justice is the bill’s sponsor. A partial list of supporters includes California Rural Indian Health Board, California Tribal Business Alliance, Coalition of California State Tribes, Indian Health Council, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Stanford Native Law & Sovereignty Collective, The W. Haywood Burns Institute, Dunlap Band of Mono Indians Cultural Association, International Indian Treaty Council, KaKoon Ta Ruk Band of Ohlone-Costanoan Indians of the Big Sur Rancheria, Kaweah Yokuts Circle and the Nor El Muk Band of Wintu Indians of Northern California.
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Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs.