Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the Legislature must 'prepare' the formal apology, while the candidate explanation used 'write'; these are treated as equivalent in this context.
California Apology to Native Americans and Memorial Plaque
This law requires California to formally apologize for past violence against Native Americans, install a memorial plaque in the State Capitol Building, and keep an official copy of the apology in public archives.
What This Bill Does
- States that California accepts responsibility for harms caused by state policies toward Native Americans.
- Requires the Legislature to prepare a formal apology asking specific leaders to sign it.
- Mandates the installation of a plaque about this apology inside the State Capitol Building.
- Assigns duties to the Department of General Services and the Joint Rules Committee for the plaque.
- Allows state agencies to accept grants or private donations to pay for the plaque's costs.
- Requires the Secretary of State to save a copy of the apology in the State Archives forever.
Who It Names or Affects
- California Native Americans
- The California Legislature
- The Department of General Services and Joint Rules Committee
- The Secretary of State
Terms To Know
- Formal apology
- An official statement where the government admits fault for past wrongs.
- State Capitol Building
- The main building in Sacramento where California state leaders meet and work.
- Joint Rules Committee
- A group of lawmakers who manage rules for the State Legislature.
Limits and Unknowns
- The text does not say when this law will officially take effect.
- The bill requests leaders to sign the apology but does not force them if they refuse.
- No specific dollar amount is listed for how much money can be raised or spent.