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AB-2115 • 2026

California Native Americans: formal apology.

California Native Americans: formal apology.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Ramos
Last action
2026-04-15
Official status
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify that the Secretary of State must submit a final copy of the formal apology to the State Archives, although it is implied as part of legislative findings and requirements.

California Native Americans: Formal Apology

This law requires California to formally apologize for the harms and atrocities committed against Native American people by state representatives, and to install a plaque in the State Capitol Building memorializing this apology.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the State of California to recognize its responsibility for the harm caused to Native Americans through policies promoted or enforced by state officials.
  • Requests that specified state leaders sign a formal apology letter prepared by the Legislature.
  • Requires installation and maintenance of a plaque in the State Capitol Building memorializing this apology.
  • Allows the Department of General Services and Joint Rules Committee to receive grants and donations for the plaque's upkeep.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The people of California, especially Native American communities.
  • State leaders who may be asked to sign the formal apology letter.

Terms To Know

Chattel slavery
A system where enslaved individuals are treated as property and can be bought or sold.
Legislature
The group of elected representatives who make laws for a state or country.

Limits and Unknowns

  • It is unclear how the apology will impact current policies or reparations.
  • There are no details on how the public viewing of the apology in State Archives will be managed.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-15 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  2. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  3. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    Coauthors revised.

  4. 2026-03-09 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on JUD.

  5. 2026-02-19 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.

  6. 2026-02-18 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2115, as introduced, Ramos.
California Native Americans: formal apology.
Existing law provides that the State of California recognizes and accepts responsibility for the harms and atrocities committed by the state in promoting, facilitating, enforcing, and permitting chattel slavery and apologizes for perpetuating the harms African Americans have faced, as specified. Existing law requires a plaque memorializing this apology to be publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained in the State Capitol Building.
This bill would provide that the State of California recognizes and accepts responsibility for all of the harms and atrocities committed by its representatives who promoted, permitted, facilitated, and enforced policies of violence against California Native Americans. The bill would further provide that the State of California apologizes for perpetuating the harms California Native Americans as a result of
policies enacted, sanctioned, or tolerated by the Legislature. The bill would require a plaque memorializing this apology to be publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained in the State Capitol Building. The bill would impose various duties on the Department of General Services and the Joint Rules Committee relating to the installation and maintenance of the plaque. The bill would authorize the Department of General Services and the Joint Rules Committee to receive money from grants and private donations and would continuously appropriate those funds for this purpose, as specified.
The bill would require the Legislature to prepare the formal apology and would request it be signed by specified state leaders. The bill would require the Secretary of State to submit a final copy of this formal apology to the State Archives, where it would be available for viewing by the general public in perpetuity. The bill would include related legislative
findings.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF