AB 2022: State government.
- Session Year: 2021-2022
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2022-09-23
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2025, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including notifying public agencies, as defined, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.
This bill would require public agencies to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. Commencing January 1, 2025, the bill would require the committee to annually report to the Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, including each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that public agencys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2025, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including notifying public agencies, as defined, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.
This bill would require public agencies to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. Commencing January 1, 2025, the bill would require the committee to annually report to the Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, including each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that public agencys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2025, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including, notifying public agencies, as defined, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.
This bill would require public agencies to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. Commencing January 1, 2025, the bill would require the committee to annually report to the Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, including each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that public agencys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, 2025, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including, notifying local governing bodies, such as city councils and boards of supervisors, public agencies, as defined, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require state agencies, local governing bodies, and other political subdivisions This bill would require public agencies to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. The Commencing January 1, 2025, the bill would require the committee to annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, such as including each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that state agency or local governing bodys public agencys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including, notifying local governing bodies, such as city councils and boards of supervisors, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work in formal consultation with tribes at the direction of California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require state agencies, local governing bodies, and other political subdivisions to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. The bill would require the committee to annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, such as each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that state agency or local governing bodys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including, notifying local governing bodies, such as city councils and boards of supervisors, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work with state agencies and local governing bodies in formal consultation with tribes at the direction of the Native American Heritage Commission to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations from residents in the area in which the geographic feature is located and representatives of tribes on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission. recommendations.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require state agencies, local governing bodies, and other political subdivisions to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. The bill would require the committee to annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, such as each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that state agency or local governing bodys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency, which consists of various departments and commissions, including the Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and State Lands Commission. Existing law vests in the agency various powers, including those related to conservation of lands. Pursuant to the agencys general authority, the agency established the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to be a liaison to the United States Board on Geographic Names. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the committee are established by its internal charter.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require the term squaw to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to direct the committee to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including, notifying local governing bodies, such as city councils and boards of supervisors, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term squaw. The bill would require the committee to choose a replacement name, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.
The bill would require the committee to work with state agencies and local governing bodies to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations from residents in the area in which the geographic feature is located and representatives of tribes on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission.
Commencing on January 1, 2024, this bill would require state agencies, local governing bodies, and other political subdivisions to no longer replace signs, interpretive markers, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. The bill would require each agency or local governing body to ensure that map updates and sign replacements use the new name. The bill would require the committee to annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the implementation of these provisions, and would require that report to include specified information, such as each geographic feature and place name that uses the term squaw in that state agency or local governing bodys jurisdiction and the proposed replacement name.
By imposing requirements on local governments to remove the term squaw from geographic features and place names and to report specified information to the committee, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.The purpose of this chapter includes all of the following:
(a)To prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)To establish a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names in the State of California and, as necessary, submit formal requests to the United States Board on Geographic Names to render decisions on proposed name changes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance.
(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
(e)Public agency means a state agency, local governing body, and any other political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)A public agency shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. A public agency shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name adopted pursuant to Section 8899.94 is used.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a public agency that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory geographic features and place names, including, but not limited to, geographic features and place names containing the word squaw.
(b)A public agency shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (b) and notify the respective public agency of all of the following:
(1)Any remaining geographic feature or place name that includes the term squaw in the jurisdiction of the public agency.
(2)The obligations of the public agency to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction.
(3)The deadline established in this section.
(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and the draft shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (c), the public agency shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)The public agency shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from the California Native American tribes, any other public agencies as appropriate, and the public.
(B)The public agency shall engage in formal consultation with California Native American tribes to solicit their proposals.
(3)In selecting replacement names, the public agency shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(f)(1)The committee shall vote on the proposed replacement name for a geographic feature or place name within 90 days of receiving the proposed replacement name.
(2)The committee may reject a proposed replacement name if the committee determines that it is offensive or insulting.
(g)(1)If the public agency fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, the committee shall solicit proposals and input to rename the geographic feature or place name from all of the following:
(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission through formal consultation.
(B)Appropriate public agencies.
(C)Members of the public.
(2)(A)The committee shall vote on a new replacement name within 180 days of rejecting a proposed replacement name pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) or, if the public agency failed to provide a replacement name, within 180 days of the deadline to receive a proposed replacement name.
(B)In selecting a new replacement name, the committee shall consider the input received pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subdivision and prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(h)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each public agency that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the committee shall annually report to the Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant public agency with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.The purpose of this chapter includes all of the following:
(a)To prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)To establish a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names in the State of California and, as necessary, submit formal requests to the United States Board on Geographic Names to render decisions on proposed name changes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance.
(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
(e)Public agency means a state agency, local governing body, and any other political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)A public agency shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. A public agency shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name adopted pursuant to Section 8899.94 is used.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a public agency that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory geographic features and place names, including, but not limited to, geographic features and place names containing the word squaw.
(b)A public agency shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (b) and notify the respective public agency of all of the following:
(1)Any remaining geographic feature or place name that includes the term squaw in the jurisdiction of the public agency.
(2)The obligations of the public agency to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction.
(3)The deadline established in this section.
(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and the draft shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (c), the public agency shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)The public agency shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from the California Native American tribes, any other public agencies as appropriate, and the public.
(B)The public agency shall engage in formal consultation with California Native American tribes to solicit their proposals.
(3)In selecting replacement names, the public agency shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(f)(1)The committee shall vote on the proposed replacement name for a geographic feature or place name within 90 days of receiving the proposed replacement name.
(2)The committee may reject a proposed replacement name if the committee determines that it is offensive or insulting.
(g)(1)If the public agency fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, the committee shall solicit proposals and input to rename the geographic feature or place name from all of the following:
(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission through formal consultation.
(B)Appropriate public agencies.
(C)Members of the public.
(2)(A)The committee shall vote on a new replacement name within 180 days of rejecting a proposed replacement name pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) or, if the public agency failed to provide a replacement name, within 180 days of the deadline to receive a proposed replacement name.
(B)In selecting a new replacement name, the committee shall consider the input received pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subdivision and prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(h)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each public agency that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the committee shall annually report to the Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant public agency with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.The purpose of this chapter includes all of the following:
(a)To prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)To establish a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names in the State of California and, as necessary, submit formal requests to the United States Board on Geographic Names to render decisions on proposed name changes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance.
(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
(e)Public agency means a state agency, local governing body, and any other political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)A public agency shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. A public agency shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name adopted pursuant to Section 8899.94 is used.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a public agency that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory geographic features and place names, including, but not limited to, geographic features and place names containing the word squaw.
(b)A public agency shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (b) and notify the respective public agency of all of the following:
(1)Any remaining geographic feature or place name that includes the term squaw in the jurisdiction of the public agency.
(2)The obligations of the public agency to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction.
(3)The deadline established in this section.
(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and the draft shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (c), the public agency shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)The public agency shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from the California Native American tribes, any other public agencies as appropriate, and the public.
(B)The public agency shall engage in formal consultation with California Native American tribes to solicit their proposals.
(3)In selecting replacement names, the public agency shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(f)(1)The committee shall vote on the proposed replacement name for a geographic feature or place name within 90 days of receiving the proposed replacement name.
(2)The committee may reject a proposed replacement name if the committee determines that it is offensive or insulting.
(g)(1)If the public agency fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, the committee shall solicit proposals and input to rename the geographic feature or place name from all of the following:
(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission through formal consultation.
(B)Appropriate public agencies.
(C)Members of the public.
(2)(A)The committee shall vote on a new replacement name within 180 days of rejecting a proposed replacement name pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) or, if the public agency failed to provide a replacement name, within 180 days of the deadline to receive a proposed replacement name.
(B)In selecting a new replacement name, the committee shall consider the input received pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subdivision and prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(h)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each public agency that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the committee shall annually report to the Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant public agency with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.(a)The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California. includes all of the following:
(a)To prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)This chapter establishes To establish a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names in the State of California, to create an advisory committee to recommend names to be reviewed by the board, and for other purposes. California and, as necessary, submit formal requests to the United States Board on Geographic Names to render decisions on proposed name changes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance, as provided in Section 65352.4. significance.
(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
(e)Public agency means a state agency, local governing body, and any other political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2024, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.(b)Beginning on January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, and other political subdivision8899.93.(a)A public agency shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. An agency or local governing body A public agency shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name adopted pursuant to Section 8899.94 is used.
(c)By January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall identify any geographic feature and place name within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw and shall file a report identifying those names with the committee.(b)Beginning on January 1, 2025, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a state agency, local governing body, or other political subdivision public agency that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory geographic features and place names, including, but not limited to, places geographic features and place names containing the word squaw.
(b)A state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state public agency shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (b) and notify the respective local governing body, including city council and board of supervisors, of any remaining geographic feature or place name, that includes the term squaw, of the obligations of the local governing body to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction, and the timeline established in this section. public agency of all of the following:
(1)Any remaining geographic feature or place name that includes the term squaw in the jurisdiction of the public agency.
(2)The obligations of the public agency to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction.
(3)The deadline established in this section.
(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and the draft shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing body (c), the public agency shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)If the local governing body fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, then the committee shall determine a name chosen within its discretion, considering the input of local residents and in formal consultation with California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission.(B)When the committee deems a proposed name to be offensive under this paragraph, the committee shall follow the procedure described in paragraph (3) of this subdivision to solicit proposed replacement names within 180 days of receipt of the offensive or insulting proposal.(3)(2)(A)The committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies public agency shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from all of the following: the California Native American tribes, any other public agencies as appropriate, and the public.
(B)The public agency shall engage in formal consultation with California Native American tribes to solicit their proposals.
(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission.(B)Appropriate state agencies and local governments.(C)Members of the public.(4)(3)In selecting replacement names, the committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies and political subdivisions public agency shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(f)Beginning January 1, 2024, the (1)The committee shall vote on the new proposed replacement name for each of the geographic features and place names containing the word squaw a geographic feature or place name within 90 days of receiving a the proposed replacement name.
(2)The committee may reject a proposed replacement name if the committee determines that it is offensive or insulting.
(g)(1)If the public agency fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, the committee shall solicit proposals and input to rename the geographic feature or place name from all of the following:
(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission through formal consultation.
(B)Appropriate public agencies.
(C)Members of the public.
(2)(A)The committee shall vote on a new replacement name within 180 days of rejecting a proposed replacement name pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) or, if the public agency failed to provide a replacement name, within 180 days of the deadline to receive a proposed replacement name.
(B)In selecting a new replacement name, the committee shall consider the input received pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subdivision and prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(g)(h)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each entity public agency that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning September 1, 2023, January 1, 2025, the committee shall annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant agency, local governing body, or political subdivision public agency with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.(a)The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)This chapter establishes a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names in the State of California, to create an advisory committee to recommend names to be reviewed by the board, and for other purposes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance, as provided in Section 65352.4.
(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2024, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, and other political subdivision shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. An agency or local governing body shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name is used.
(c)By January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall identify any geographic feature and place name within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw and shall file a report identifying those names with the committee.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a state agency, local governing body, or other political subdivision that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory place names, including, but not limited to, places containing the word squaw.
(b)A state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (b) and notify the respective local governing body, including city council and board of supervisors, of any remaining geographic feature or place name, that includes the term squaw, of the obligations of the local governing body to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction, and the timeline established in this section.
(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with tribes, at the direction of the Native American Heritage Commission, California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing body shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)If the local governing body fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, then the committee shall determine a name chosen within its discretion, considering the input of local residents and in formal consultation with tribes at the direction of California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission.
(B)When the committee deems a proposed name to be offensive under this paragraph, the committee shall follow the procedure described in paragraph (3) of this subdivision to solicit proposed replacement names within 180 days of receipt of the offensive or insulting proposal.
(3)The committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from all of the following:
(A)California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the area in question, as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission.(A)California Native American tribes on the list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission.
(B)Appropriate state agencies and local governments.
(C)Members of the public.
(4)In selecting replacement names, the committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies and political subdivisions shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(f)Beginning January 1, 2024, the committee shall vote on the new name for each of the geographic features and place names containing the word squaw within 90 days of receiving a proposed replacement name.
(g)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each entity that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning September 1, 2023, the committee shall annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant agency, local governing body, or political subdivision with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.(a)The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)This chapter establishes a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names of federal land units, in the State of California, to create an advisory committee to recommend federal land unit names to be reviewed by the board, and for other purposes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, or appointees thereof, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Formal consultation means the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each partys sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional tribal cultural significance, as provided in Section 65352.4.
(b)(c)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(c)(d)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2024, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, and other political subdivision shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. An agency or local governing body shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name is used.
(c)By January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall identify any geographic feature and place name within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw and shall file a report identifying those names with the committee.
8899.94.(a)The8899.94.(a)The committee shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a state agency, local governing body, or other political subdivision that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(2)The committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory place names, including, but not limited to, places containing the word squaw.
(b)A state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall complete each of the following no later than July 1, 2023:
(1)Identify all geographic features and place names within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw.
(2)File a report identifying those names with the committee.
(b)(c)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (a) (b) and notify the respective local governing body, including city council and board of supervisors, of any remaining geographic feature or place name, that includes the term squaw, of the obligations of the local governing body to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction, and the timeline established in this section.
(c)The committee shall work with state agencies and any respective local governing body to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations from residents in the area in which the geographic feature is located. The committee shall also work with representatives of tribe, that are included on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and reside in the area.(d)The committee shall establish a procedure in formal consultation with tribes, at the direction of the Native American Heritage Commission, for receiving name recommendations. This procedure shall be used statewide and shall be subject to public comment. Once the process has been established, it shall be listed online in a forum accessible to the general public.
(d)(e)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing body shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)(A)If the local governing body fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, then the committee shall determine a name chosen within its discretion, considering the input of local residents and the recommendations of the relevant tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission contact list. in formal consultation with tribes at the direction of the Native American Heritage Commission.
(B)When the committee deems a proposed name to be offensive under this paragraph, the committee shall follow the procedure described in paragraph (3) of this subdivision to solicit proposed replacement names within 180 days of receipt of the offensive or insulting proposal.
(3)The committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from all of the following:
(A)Tribes maintained on the Native American Heritage Commission contact list.(A)California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the area in question, as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission.
(B)Appropriate state agencies and local governments.
(C)Members of the public.
(4)In selecting replacement names, the committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies and political subdivisions shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by tribal councils of the region California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(e)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory place names, including, but not limited to, places containing the word squaw.(f)By Beginning January 1, 2024, the committee shall vote on a the new name for each of the geographic features and place names containing the word squaw. The committee shall do all of the following: squaw within 90 days of receiving a proposed replacement name.
(g)The committee shall do all of the following no later than 90 days after it approves a new name:
(1)Notify each entity that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other makers, markers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning July 1, 2024, September 1, 2023, the committee shall annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant agency, local governing body, or political subdivision with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)All work completed to date for the purposes of this chapter.
(5)(6)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (e) (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. 9795.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The term squaw is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.
(b)Currently, over 100 geographic features and place names in the State of California contain the term squaw.
(c)No geographic feature or place name in the State of California should have a name that includes racial and sexual slurs and stereotypes targeting Native Americans, which perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and contribute to the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people.
(d)The geographical features or place names in the State of California that contain the word squaw are deemed to be offensive and insulting.
SEC. 2.Chapter 17 (commencing with Section 8899.90) is added to Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:17.Geographic Feature and Place Name Prohibitions8899.90.(a)The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the use of the word squaw for geographic features and place names within the State of California.
(b)This chapter establishes a process for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive names of federal land units, to create an advisory committee to recommend federal land unit names to be reviewed by the board, and for other purposes.
8899.91.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Advisory Committee or committee means the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, as established within the Natural Resources Agency.
(b)Geographic feature means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings.
(c)Place means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.
8899.92.The Natural Resources Agency shall direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter and amend it to include the execution of the duties, powers, and responsibilities listed under Section 8899.94.
8899.93.(a)Beginning on January 1, 2024, the word squaw shall be removed from all geographic features and place names in the State of California.
(b)Beginning on January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, and other political subdivision shall no longer replace any sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker or printed material with the discontinued name containing the word squaw. An agency or local governing body shall ensure that whenever it updates a map, or replaces a sign, interpretive marker, or any other marker because of wear or vandalism, the new name is used.
(c)By January 1, 2024, a state agency, local governing body, or political subdivision in this state shall identify any geographic feature and place name within its jurisdiction containing the word squaw and shall file a report identifying those names with the committee.
8899.94.(a)The committee shall develop a procedure for receiving reports from a state agency, local governing body, or other political subdivision that is reporting any geographic feature or place name containing the word squaw in its jurisdiction.
(b)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall verify the reports it receives pursuant to subdivision (a) and notify the respective local governing body, including city council and board of supervisors, of any remaining geographic feature or place name, that includes the term squaw, of the obligations of the local governing body to recommend a replacement name for the geographic features and place names in that jurisdiction, and the timeline established in this section.
(c)The committee shall work with state agencies and any respective local governing body to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations from residents in the area in which the geographic feature is located. The committee shall also work with representatives of tribe, that are included on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and reside in the area.
(d)(1)After the date of notification by the committee, the governing body shall propose a replacement name to the committee within 180 days.
(2)If the local governing body fails to provide a replacement name within the specified time, or the provided name is deemed to be offensive or insulting by the committee, then the committee shall determine a name chosen within its discretion, considering the input of local residents and the recommendations of the relevant tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission contact list.
(3)The committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies shall solicit proposals to rename geographic features and place names from all of the following:
(A)Tribes maintained on the Native American Heritage Commission contact list.
(B)Appropriate state agencies and local governments.
(C)Members of the public.
(4)In selecting replacement names, the committee, state agencies, and local governing bodies shall prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by tribal councils of the region through the appropriate enactment or resolution.
(e)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall create a process to receive and review individual petitions to change offensive or derogatory place names, including, but not limited to, places containing the word squaw.
(f)By January 1, 2024, the committee shall vote on a new name for each of the geographic features and place names containing the word squaw. The committee shall do all of the following:
(1)Notify each entity that has reported an offensive or derogatory place name of the alternative name selected by the committee.
(2)Notify state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and any other state department that compiles information or develops maps or markers, for the State of California of the name change to ensure that any name change be reflected on subsequent editions of any maps, informational literature, or markers produced by those entities.
(3)Submit, as necessary, a formal request with the United States Board on Geographic Names to render a decision on each proposed name change so that each new name will be reflected on all maps of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
(4)Coordinate with all federal, state, and local agencies to reflect the approved name changes in maps, signs, interpretive markers, other makers, and databases in which the names of these geographic features are recorded.
8899.95.(a)Beginning July 1, 2024, the committee shall annually report to the Governor and Legislature regarding implementation of this chapter. The report shall identify, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Each geographic feature and place name in the State of California containing the word squaw and the relevant agency, local governing body, or political subdivision with jurisdiction over that geographic feature or place name.
(2)The replacement name proposed for that geographic feature or place name and the process to select that replacement name.
(3)The number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that shall be or have been changed to reflect the name change.
(4)The date that requests to change names were filed with the United States Board of Geographic Names and whether those changes have been made.
(5)Any other relevant information that the committee finds appropriate.
(b)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (e) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3.If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2022 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 479, Statutes of 2022. |
| Sep 23, 2022 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Aug 31, 2022 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 25, 2022 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.). |
| Aug 25, 2022 | Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. |
| Aug 24, 2022 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after August 26 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Aug 24, 2022 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5053.). |
| Aug 11, 2022 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 11). |
| Aug 8, 2022 | In committee: Referred to suspense file. |
| Aug 1, 2022 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jul 20, 2022 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Jun 29, 2022 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June 28). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 21, 2022 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on G.O. |
| Jun 20, 2022 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on G.O. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 20). |
| Jun 9, 2022 | Action rescinded whereby the bill was referred to Com. on GOV. & F. |
| Jun 8, 2022 | Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W., G.O. and GOV. & F. |
| May 27, 2022 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 26, 2022 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.) |
| May 23, 2022 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 19, 2022 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (May 19). |
| May 11, 2022 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file. |
| Apr 26, 2022 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 20, 2022 | Re-referred to Com. on W.,P., & W. |
| Apr 19, 2022 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on W.,P., & W. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 24, 2022 | Referred to Com. on W.,P., & W. |
| Feb 15, 2022 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 17. |
| Feb 14, 2022 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2022 | AB 2022 Ramos Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 24, 2022 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB2022 Ramos et al. By Skinner | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 26, 2022 | AB 2022 Ramos Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
