AB 1824: Indian children: guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

The bill aims to strengthen California's laws related to Indian children. The state is committed to protecting essential tribal relations and the best interest of Indian children by promoting practices in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. The bill would require courts to consider these findings in all Indian child custody proceedings. The bill would also define terms consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act and make conforming changes to existing provisions. It would require courts to inquire whether a child may be an Indian child when filing a petition for guardianship or conservatorship. If the child is an Indian child, the court must consider the child's membership or citizenship in their tribe and connection to the tribal community. The bill would require parties seeking placement of an Indian child to provide evidence that active efforts have been made to prevent th…