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California Code, Government Code - GOV § 12913

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) As part of its duties, the bureau shall verify an individual's status as a descendant.  Proof of an individual's descendant status shall be a qualifying criterion for benefits authorized by the state for descendants.  The bureau shall create a Genealogy Division.

(b) Following the establishment of a process for conducting or verifying genealogical research for the purpose of confirming an individual's status as a descendant of an enslaved person as provided by Chapter 4.8 (commencing with Section 8308) of Division 1, as added by Senate Bill 437 of the 2025-26 Regular Session,  1 the Genealogy Division shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish a process for individuals to request certification as a descendant of American slaves informed by the process created pursuant to Chapter 4.8 (commencing with Section 8308) of Division 1, as added by Senate Bill 437 of the 2025-26 Regular Session.

(2) Review and determine requests for certification as a descendant.

(3) Establish a process for individuals to appeal a determination made pursuant to paragraph (2).

(c) Subdivision (b) shall become operative only if Senate Bill 437 of the 2025-26 Regular Session is enacted and takes effect on or before January 1, 2026.

1  Stats.2025, c. 755 (S.B.437), eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Government Code - GOV § 12913 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-12913/

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