California Bill Exempts Returned Tribal Land From Property Tax

Federally recognized Native American tribes would be exempt from property tax and real estate transfer tax on ancestral land that is returned to them and preserved under a bill the California Assembly passed on Tuesday.

The bill (A.B. 1485) by Assemblymember Alexandra M. Macedo (R) passed 63-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It must pass by Sept. 12 to reach Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who hasn’t taken a position. If enacted, the bill would give tribes the same tax treatment as nonprofit organizations engaged in land conservation, making it easier for them to reclaim ...