AB-1641 • 2026

Postsecondary education: segments: tribal colleges and universities.

Education

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Jackson (A) , Ramos
Last action: 2026-06-04
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 3). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide information on whether this bill includes tribal colleges and universities alongside existing segments or changes the missions and functions of other types of higher education institutions.

Postsecondary Education: Adding Tribal Colleges and Universities

This law adds tribal colleges and universities run by Native American tribes in California to the list of public higher education institutions.

What This Bill Does

Adds tribal colleges and universities located in California that are operated by a Native American tribe to the state's system of public higher education.

Who It Names or Affects

Tribal colleges and universities in California that are run by Native American tribes

Terms To Know

Indian tribal government: A recognized governing body of a Native American tribe.
Donahoe Higher Education Act: The law that outlines the missions and functions of California's higher education segments.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not provide funding or other support for these new institutions.
Only applies to tribal colleges and universities located in California.

Bill History

2026-06-04 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 3). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-05-19 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on ED.
2026-05-13 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on ED.
2026-05-05 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-04 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 4913.)
2026-04-30 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-04-29 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 29).
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-02-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.
2026-01-28 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 27.
2026-01-27 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1641, as amended, Jackson.
Postsecondary education: segments: tribal colleges and universities.
Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in the state. The missions and functions of these segments are set forth in the Donahoe Higher Education Act.
This bill would provide that public higher education additionally consists of tribal colleges and universities geographically located in California that are operated by an Indian tribal government, as defined.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF