Peace officers: tribal police pilot project.

Assembly Member Ramos proposes establishing a three-year pilot program granting California peace officer authority to select tribal police departments, marking a shift in how tribal law enforcement operates within the state's criminal justice framework. The Department of Justice would select three federally recognized tribes to participate from July 2026 through July 2029, with consideration given to varying sizes and geographic locations.

Participating tribal officers would need to complete state-mandated peace officer training and certification through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within 24 months of employment. Their authority would extend throughout their tribal lands and, under specific circumstances like pursuing suspects or responding to requests from other agencies, beyond reservation boundaries. Tribes must adopt laws ensuring public records access, establishing procedures for handling complaints, and partially waiving sovereign immunity for actions related to the program.

The bill creates the Tribal Police Pilot Fund to help participating departments acquire necessary technology for mandatory reporting and recordkeeping. The Department of Justice and POST would jointly oversee the program, with requirements for interim reporting by July 2028 and final evaluation by January 2030. Implementation depends on legislative appropriation of funds.

Participating tribes may establish domestic violence death review teams and enter agreements to collaborate on cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous persons. The bill maintains tribal sovereignty while integrating tribal law enforcement more closely with state and local agencies, requiring adherence to California peace officer standards and oversight mechanisms.