Bill > AB1881

This bill, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, aims to strengthen protections for California Native American tribes' religious freedom and access to sacred sites. It prohibits governmental agencies from substantially burdening a California Indian or tribe's religious beliefs or spiritual practices, including access to sacred sites and the performance of ceremonies, unless the agency can prove the burden is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive way to achieve it. This applies to various government actions like permitting and land use approvals. Before any project that might impact a sacred site or cultural landscape, government agencies must consult with affected tribes in good faith and seek their free, prior, and informed consent if the project risks physical destruction or alteration of a sacred site. The bill also requires agencies to avoid adverse impacts to sacred sites and allow access to them on public lands for religious or cultural activities, while making information about sacred sites and religious practices confidential and exempt from public records laws, including the California Public Records Act.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1881