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AB-1641 • 2026

Postsecondary education: segments: tribal colleges and universities.

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
2026-04-15
Official status
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide information on whether the bill defines 'Indian tribal government'.

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 operated by Indian tribal governments located in California as part of public higher education.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Tribal colleges and universities in California
  • State education officials

Terms To Know

Donahoe Higher Education Act
A law that sets out the missions and functions of different types of higher education institutions in California.
Indian tribal government
The official governing body of a Native American tribe recognized by the federal or state government.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Only applies to tribal colleges and universities located in California.
  • Does not change the missions and functions already set out in existing laws.

Bill History

  1. 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.

  2. 2026-02-09 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  3. 2026-01-28 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee February 27.

  4. 2026-01-27 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1641, as introduced, 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