California · Government Code
GOV §12913: (a) As part of its duties, the bureau shall verify an individual’s status as a descendant.
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(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, 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.
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