CA AB2138

Establishes a 3-year pilot program (July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2028) designating qualified tribal police officers as California peace officers under Department of Justice and Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training oversight.

Authorizes the Department of Justice to select 3 federally recognized tribes to participate, with tribal officers gaining peace officer authority on tribal lands and limited authority elsewhere (at law enforcement request, in exigent circumstances, in hot pursuit, or with prior consent).

Requires participating tribes to enact laws authorizing the program, adopt public records policies comparable to the California Public Records Act, establish claims procedures with limited sovereign immunity waivers, and maintain liability insurance.

Mandates tribal peace officers meet all state certification and training requirements for peace officers, with basic certificates required within 24 months of employment for officers and within 2 years for police chiefs.

Creates the Tribal Police Pilot Fund to provide appropriated money for information technology and recordkeeping needs, and requires interim reports by July 1, 2027 and final reports by January 1, 2029 to the Legislature.