Bill > AB1485

This bill introduces two key tax-related exemptions for Native American tribes, designed to facilitate land preservation and reclamation. First, the bill creates a property tax exemption for land owned by federally recognized Indian tribes or their wholly owned subsidiaries that is used exclusively for preserving natural resources, open-space lands, or areas of scientific or educational interest. This exemption allows tribes to own and maintain land for conservation purposes without being subject to property taxes, and it will remain in effect until January 1, 2031. Second, the bill exempts tribal land return transactions from documentary transfer taxes, specifically for land transfers that return ownership to a federally recognized tribe with restrictions limiting land use to cultural, educational, recreational, or conservation purposes. The bill includes detailed reporting requirements, mandating that the Board of Equalization and Legislative Analyst's Office track and report on the number, value, and acreage of land transferred under these exemptions. The underlying goals are to eliminate financial barriers for tribes reclaiming ancestral lands, promote tribal self-determination, and support long-term environmental preservation. The bill takes effect immediately as a tax levy and includes provisions for state reimbursement of any mandated local costs.

Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1485