Supporters argue AB 2138 would add a new tool to fighting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis in California.

Native American advocate organizations including Indigenous Justice and Native Sisters Circle gathered Wednesday in Sacramento to urge passage of AB 2138 that would grant peace officer status to tribal law enforcement.

The measure is aimed at increasing public safety on reservations by adding a new tool to confront California’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos, the first and only California Native American elected to the legislature, authored the measure.

AB 2138 sponsors are the Yurok Tribe, California Indian Legal Services and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The measure received overwhelming bipartisan and unanimous support in the Assembly and Senate. Tribes from across the state have urged the state to grant peace officer status during their annual “Day of Action” as a means to prevent and better investigate MMIP-related cases.

Attorney General Rob Bonta, declared in his sponsorship letter:

“In 1953, the United States government passed Public Law 280 (“PL 280”), which shifted jurisdiction over some crimes occurring on tribal lands from the federal government to certain states, including California. However, PL 280 did not provide funding to the states or the tribes who took responsibility for public safety on tribal lands. Additionally, PL 280 has resulted in significant confusion over who has jurisdiction over certain crimes – the federal government, the state government, or the tribes. This jurisdictional confusion, together with the alarming rise in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases in California, has eroded the trust of many tribal communities in our state’s criminal justice system.

“AB 2138 is a significant step toward ameliorating these problems. With the passage of AB 2138, eligible tribal police officers will be able to enforce California criminal law on tribal lands, for all crimes involving tribal members and non-tribal members alike. This bill empowers tribal governments with the tools they need to protect and serve their communities.”

“The devastating issue of MMIP has caused untold tragedy that often becomes long lingering ripples of grief and further tragedy. We can prevent this tragedy by enabling tribes the means to increase safety on their lands and mitigating the dangerous consequences of federal law PL 280,” Ramos said.

Morning Star Gali, founder of Indigenous Justice and a leading advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People victims and families said, “AB 2138 will lead to better outcomes in MMIP cases, allowing tribal police to act swiftly and effectively. The bill’s data collection and reporting requirements will provide critical insights into the scope of the MMIP crisis and the effectiveness of law enforcement responses.”

“Achieving state peace officer status for our qualified tribal officers has been an ongoing effort dating back to the early 1990s. The passage of AB 2138 will represent a significant step toward realizing this goal which is ultimately about creating safer tribal communities,” said Heather Hostler, executive director of California Indian Legal Services and a bill sponsor.

AB 2138 supporters include Blue Lake Rancheria, California Faculty Association, California Nations Indian Gaming Association, California Tribal Business Alliance, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Initiate Justice, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition Inc., Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Tejon Indian Tribe and Tule River Tribe.