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<ns0:Id>20250AB__216798AMD</ns0:Id>
<ns0:VersionNum>98</ns0:VersionNum>
<ns0:History>
<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-02-18</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_ASSEMBLY</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-03-02</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
<ns0:SessionNum>0</ns0:SessionNum>
<ns0:MeasureType>AB</ns0:MeasureType>
<ns0:MeasureNum>2167</ns0:MeasureNum>
<ns0:MeasureState>AMD</ns0:MeasureState>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Assembly Member Macedo</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>ASSEMBLY</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Macedo</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
</ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Title> An act to amend Sections 214.03 and 11930.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and to amend Section 3 of Chapter 2 of the Statutes of 2026, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy.</ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Property tax: documentary transfer tax: exemptions: corporations chartered under tribal law.</ns0:Subject>
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<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The California Constitution authorizes the Legislature to exempt from taxation, in whole or in part, property that is used exclusively for religious, hospital, or charitable purposes, and is owned or held in trust by a nonprofit entity. Pursuant to that authority, existing law provides for a welfare exemption under which property used exclusively for an exempt purpose and owned and operated by specified entities, including foundations, limited liability companies, or corporations meeting certain statutory requirements, is exempt from taxation. Chapter 2 of the Statutes of 2026 (AB 1485) provides that, for purposes of the exemption for property used exclusively for the preservation of specified natural resources or open-space lands, for the property tax lien dates for the 2026–27
fiscal year to the 2031–32 fiscal year, inclusive, property may be owned and operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe or a wholly owned subsidiary of a federally recognized Indian tribe meeting certain requirements.
</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would expand the above-described authorization, for purposes of the exemption for property used exclusively for the preservation of specified natural resources or open-space lands, to include property owned and operated by a corporation chartered pursuant to tribal law.</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Existing law authorizes counties and cities and counties to impose a documentary transfer tax at a specified rate upon deeds, instruments, or other writings by which specified property is transferred. AB 1485 exempts from that tax, until January 1, 2031, the transfer of any deed, instrument, or other writing that makes effective a tribal land return transaction. AB 1485 defines a “tribal land return
transaction” to mean a land return acquisition that transfers ownership of land to a federally recognized tribe or a wholly owned subsidiary of a federally recognized Indian tribe in fee simple and that includes specified restrictive covenants.
</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would, for these purposes, expand the definition of “tribal land return transaction” to include a land return acquisition that transfers ownership of land to a corporation chartered under tribal law.</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Existing law requires any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure to contain, among other things, specific goals, purposes, and objectives that the tax expenditure will achieve, detailed performance indicators, and data collection requirements.
</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would include additional information required for any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure.</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
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.
</html:p>
<html:p>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.</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.
</html:p>
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<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
<ns0:Appropriation>NO</ns0:Appropriation>
<ns0:FiscalCommittee>YES</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
<ns0:LocalProgram>YES</ns0:LocalProgram>
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<ns0:ImmediateEffect>YES</ns0:ImmediateEffect>
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<ns0:Urgency>NO</ns0:Urgency>
<ns0:TaxLevy>YES</ns0:TaxLevy>
<ns0:Election>NO</ns0:Election>
<ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>NO</ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>
<ns0:BudgetBill>NO</ns0:BudgetBill>
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<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_E850A59D-79A3-4A75-A44A-78C4B9A10651">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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Section 214.03 of the
<ns0:DocName>Revenue and Taxation Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_A7F7E1E6-E9AA-4E5F-B2D3-9F0F851DA643">
<ns0:Num>214.03.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Property that is used exclusively for the preservation of native plants or animals, biotic communities, geological or geographical formations of scientific or educational interest, tribal traditional knowledge, as defined in subdivision (p) of Section 8012 of the Health and Safety Code, or open-space lands used solely for recreation and for the enjoyment of scenic beauty, is open to the general public subject to reasonable restrictions concerning the needs of the land, and is owned and operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe, a corporation chartered pursuant to tribal law, or a wholly owned subsidiary of a
federally recognized Indian tribe shall be deemed to be within the exemption provided for in subdivision (b) of Section 4 and in Section 5 of Article XIII of the California Constitution and in Section 214.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
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The exemption provided by this section shall not apply to property that is reserved for future development.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
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(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the purposes of determining whether the property is used for the actual operation of the exempt activity as required by subdivision (a), consideration shall not be given to the use of the property for either of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Activities resulting in direct or in-kind revenues, provided that the activities further the conservation objectives of the property as provided in a qualified conservation management plan for the property. These revenues include those revenues
derived from grazing leases, hunting and camping permits, rents from persons performing caretaking activities who reside in dwellings on the property, and parking and admission fees collected for purposes of public enjoyment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any lease of the property for a purpose that furthers the conservation objectives of the property, as provided in a qualified conservation management plan for the property.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The activities and lease described in paragraph (1) may not generate unrelated business income.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this subdivision, a “qualified conservation management plan” means a plan that satisfies all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Identifies both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
That the foremost
purpose and use of the property is for the preservation of native plants or animals, biotic communities, geological or geographical formations of scientific or educational interest, tribal traditional knowledge, or as open-space lands used solely for recreation and for the enjoyment of scenic beauty.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The overall conservation management goals, including, but not limited to, identification of permitted activities, and actions necessary to achieve those goals.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Describes both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The natural resources, tribal traditional knowledge, and recreational attributes of the property.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Potential threats to the conservation values or areas of special concern.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Contains
a timeline for planned management activities and for regular inspections of the property, including existing structures and improvements.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall apply to property tax lien dates for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the 2031–32 fiscal year, inclusive.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2033, and as of that date is repealed.
</html:p>
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 11930.5 of the
<ns0:DocName>Revenue and Taxation Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_30C19509-2DE4-4DB3-89E9-0D925C4BD960">
<ns0:Num>11930.5.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any tax imposed pursuant to this part shall not apply with respect to any deed, instrument, or other writing to make effective a tribal land return transaction.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, “tribal land return transaction” means a land return acquisition that transfers ownership of land to a federally recognized tribe, a corporation chartered pursuant to tribal law, or a wholly owned subsidiary of a federally recognized Indian tribe in fee simple and that includes restrictive covenants that prohibit that tribe from engaging in commercial activities on the
land and restricts the uses to cultural, educational, recreational, or conservation purposes.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:Num>Sec. 3.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>It is the intent of the Legislature to apply the requirements of Section 41 of the Revenue and Taxation Code to this act. Therefore, the Legislature finds and declares the following with respect to the tax exemptions provided by Section 214.03 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as added by Section 1 of this act, and by Section 11930.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as added by Section 2 of this act:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The specific goals, purposes, and objectives of these exemptions are to do all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Eliminate financial
barriers that inhibit federally recognized tribes from reclaiming and preserving ancestral lands and tribal traditional knowledge.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Ensure equitable access to existing tax exemptions for land conservation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Facilitate the return of land to tribal stewardship for cultural, environmental, educational, and recreational purposes.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Promote tribal self-determination and long-term environmental preservation by enabling tribes to hold and maintain land in its natural state without incurring additional transactional tax burdens.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Detailed performance indicators for the Legislature to use in determining whether the exemptions provided by Sections 1 and 2 of this act meet the goals, purposes, and objectives described in subdivision (a) shall be all of
the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total number and total assessed value of tribal land return transactions that qualify for an exemption under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total dollar amount of taxes exempted under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total acreage of land reclaimed by federally recognized Indian tribes granted an exemption under Section 1 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The rate of year-over-year growth in the number of qualifying land transfers and acreage.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The data collection requirements for determining whether the exemptions provided by Sections 1 and 2 of this act are meeting the specific goals, purposes, and objectives described in subdivision (a) are as follows:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
On or before March 1, 2028, and every March 1 thereafter, the Board of Equalization shall publish, and make available to the relevant committees of the Legislature, an annual report that does both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Summarizes the total acreage of land exempted under Section 1 of this act that is owned and operated by federally recognized Indian tribe, a corporation chartered pursuant to tribal law,
or their wholly owned subsidiaries, to the extent that the data is available from counties.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Summarizes all of the following, to the extent that the data is available from counties:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Total number of tribal land return transactions qualifying for an exemption under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Total dollar value of the land transferred through transactions qualifying for an exemption under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Total amount of documentary transfer taxes exempted under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A report required under this subdivision shall include baseline measurements from the year prior to the effective date.
</html:p>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_89CF9CCC-6F95-4332-9648-314554D23B29">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 4.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>It is the intent of the Legislature to apply the requirements of Section 41 of the Revenue and Taxation Code to this act. Therefore, the Legislature finds and declares the following with respect to the tax exemptions provided by Section 214.03 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as amended by Section 1 of this act, and by Section 11930.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as amended by Section 2 of this act:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The specific goals, purposes, and objectives of these exemptions are to do all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Eliminate financial barriers that inhibit federally recognized tribes from reclaiming and preserving ancestral lands and tribal traditional knowledge.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Ensure equitable access to existing tax exemptions for land conservation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Facilitate the return of land to tribal stewardship for cultural, environmental, educational, and recreational purposes.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Promote tribal self-determination and long-term environmental preservation by enabling tribes to hold and maintain land in its natural state without incurring additional transactional tax burdens.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Detailed performance indicators for the Legislature to use in determining whether the exemptions provided by Sections 1 and 2 of this act
meet the goals, purposes, and objectives described in subdivision (a) shall be all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total number and total assessed value of tribal land return transactions that qualify for an exemption under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total dollar amount of taxes exempted under Section 2 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The total acreage of land reclaimed by federally recognized Indian tribes granted an exemption under Section 1 of this act.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The rate of year-over-year growth in the number of qualifying land transfers and acreage.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The data collection requirements for determining whether the exemptions provided by Sections 1 and 2 of this act are meeting the specific goals, purposes,
and objectives described in subdivision (a) are the data collection requirements described in subdivision (c) of Section 3 of Chapter 2 of the Statutes of 2026, as amended by Section 3 of this act.
</html:p>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_3E05096C-FF52-49EE-94CD-585B19A9D763">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>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.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_7793F9CC-324B-4393-9C47-E36542257151">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 6.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>This act provides for a tax levy within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect.</html:p>
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