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Subcommittee advances AB 2507 to standardize state consultation with tribal governments
Summary
AB 2507 would set a consistent structure for state agency engagement with federally recognized tribal governments, creating executive-level tribal liaisons and a tribal advisory committee; Wilton Rancheria leaders urged passage and the subcommittee advanced the bill to appropriations.
A lawmaker presented AB 2507 to the Assembly subcommittee, saying the bill "straightens the California government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribal governments" and seeks to ensure tribes "have a clear and consistent seat at the table when decisions impact their communities."
Raquel Williams, who introduced herself to the panel as vice chair of Wilton Rancheria, told members the patchwork of agency practices leaves tribes navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. "These are ancestral lands, and this is our responsibility to serve our people and generations to come," Williams said in support. She described three practical elements of the bill: naming executive-level tribal liaisons, creating a tribal advisory committee to provide ongoing input to a secretary-level office, and strengthening cross-agency coordination so consultation happens early and consistently.
Other tribal officials and the California Tribal Business Alliance testified in favor, highlighting that early engagement strengthens program design and outcomes and reduces barriers to access. Committee members expressed support and asked to be added as coauthors; the author thanked colleagues and noted conversations with tribal leaders had shaped the proposal.
The subcommittee moved AB 2507 to the Appropriations Committee for further review; the clerk recorded the item as passing out of the subcommittee during roll call.
