California native tribes to get vast powers over ancestral lands under new bill

California’s first Native American state lawmaker is pushing legislation that would give tribes significantly greater authority over ancestral lands controlled by the state, which has prompted warnings from business, water and local government groups that the proposal could disrupt major public projects.

Assembly Bill 1881 — known as the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026 — was introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino) and it would require state agencies to obtain tribal approval before undertaking certain actions that interfere with Indigenous religious or cultural practices on state property. 

The bill would also give Native Americans and tribes the ability to challenge alleged violations in court.

Ramos, the first California tribal member elected to the Legislature, has argued that Native Americans continue to face barriers to accessing sacred places and practicing traditional ceremonies on lands once occupied by their ancestors.

Ramos’ office told The California Post that it’s uncertain how much state land would be impacted by AB 1881 becoming law, but it would mostly cover desert areas and parks, which are common places for indigenous people to visit and gather.

“We must be able to access sacred places for ceremonies, gather traditional plants, foods and materials and have our voices heard when these rights are abridged or restricted almost to the point of denial,” Ramos said in a statement last week.

The legislation comes as California has embarked on a series of moves to expand tribal control over public lands, including a new stewardship policy aimed at placing at least 7.5 million acres of land and coastal waters under Indigenous management.

Earlier this month, the Big Sur Land Trust transferred an 84-acre Monterey County property to the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation, giving the non-federally recognized tribe its first land of its own in the area. And in July, a state commission approved the transfer of a popular Mendocino County beach to three Indigenous tribes.

AB 1881 has sailed through the Legislature with little opposition by way of votes, clearing a key Senate committee and now heading to a Senate floor vote before lawmakers adjourn at the end of this month.

But opposition has intensified as the bill approaches the finish line, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The California Chamber of Commerce and organizations representing cities, counties, water agencies, special districts and agricultural interests contend the legislation could effectively allow tribes to block or delay state projects.

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“CalChamber agrees that tribal communities should have a seat at the table when the state undertakes these types of projects,” CalChamber officials told the Chronicle. 

“But this bill would give any tribe or individual tribal members — not the state — the final word over water and land management decisions.”

Opponents question whether the measure could affect water projects such as the proposed Sites Reservoir or the massive Delta Conveyance Project. 

Ramos recently exempted decisions by the State Water Resources Control Board, but other state agencies also issue permits and approvals for water projects.

Earlier versions of the bill also extended beyond state property to local government lands. Ramos also added protections allowing certain activities necessary for public safety to proceed.

Critics nevertheless argue the remaining language is too broad and could create costly uncertainty and litigation. They also point to existing environmental and land-use laws that already require consultation with tribes and protections for culturally significant sites.

Indigenous Justice, which sponsored the legislation, says stronger requirements are needed to ensure tribes have meaningful influence when government actions threaten religious practices or access to culturally important places.

“Our main issue is access and for tribes to be properly consulted,” Morning Star Gali, executive director of Indigenous Justice, told the Chronicle. “I just want to be able to go into my sacred place and not be treated in a disrespectful manner. I don’t think we’re asking for too much.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom has not publicly indicated whether he would sign AB 1881 if it reaches his desk. Supporters are expected to rally at the Capitol on Thursday as lawmakers enter the final days of the legislative session.