MENDOCINO CO., 1/28/26 – The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a hearing at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on proposed federal legislation aimed at improving safety, justice and well-being outcomes for Native children, an issue that affects tribal communities across California, including in Mendocino County.
The hearing will examine the draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act, which seeks to strengthen coordination between tribal governments and federal agencies on public safety, juvenile justice and victim services. The bill is based on recommendations from a bipartisan federal commission created by Congress to study violence, abuse and systemic gaps affecting Native children.
Advocates say Native children face disproportionately high rates of violence and involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice systems, often complicated by jurisdictional overlaps between tribal, state and federal authorities. Supporters argue that the legislation would help address those challenges by improving collaboration, accountability and access to culturally appropriate services.
The hearing will be livestreamed at https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/legislative-hearing-titled-justice-and-safety-for-native-children-examining-title-ii-of-the-draft-native-childrens-commission-implementation-act/.