SACRAMENTO, 3/19/26 – A bill introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, would clarify how state probate courts handle guardianship and conservatorship cases involving Native American children.
Introduced in February, Assembly Bill 1824 would place requirements related to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act and California’s related laws directly into the state Probate Code.
Supporters say the change is meant to ensure courts consistently follow existing protections when a guardianship or conservatorship case involves a child who is a member of, or eligible for membership in, a federally recognized tribe.
The bill would require courts and petitioners to ask early in a case whether a child may be a Native child, notify tribes when there is reason to believe the law applies, and document efforts made to keep families together before placing a child with someone other than a parent.
The proposal is sponsored by California Indian Legal Services, the California Tribal Families Coalition, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake.