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Bill

A 7407

Permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 20 co-sponsors

Permits public schools to use or display Indigenous names; not required, giving districts room to adopt names, signage, and branding with Indigenous communities in mind.

HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 7407

Summary of Assembly Bill A 7407 — Permits Public Schools to Utilize or Display Indigenous Names

Quick snapshot

  • Bill number: A 7407
  • Title: Permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names
  • Status: HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN EDUCATION
  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Karl Brabenec
  • Notable action: Referred to Education on March 25, 2025; subsequently held for consideration in Education on May 20, 2025
  • Related: Senate companion S 6974

What the bill would do

  • The bill authorizes public schools to use or display Indigenous (indigenous) names. The title indicates that schools would be permitted to adopt or showcase Indigenous names in various capacities.
  • The exact scope (for example, whether this applies to school mascots, team names, building signage, plaques, programs, or other uses) is not specified in the available summary. The enacted text would clarify the precise applications, limitations, and any required processes.

Key provisions (at a glance)

  • Permission rather than mandate: The bill’s language suggests permission for schools to employ Indigenous names, not a requirement to do so.
  • Scope and regulations: The specifics—such as eligibility, oversight, Tribal consultation requirements, and potential timeframes for phased implementation—would be defined in the bill’s text.
  • Compliance and safeguards: Any guidelines to ensure respectful use, accuracy of names, and cultural consultation are typically addressed in such measures; details would be in the enacted language.

Who or what would be affected

  • Public schools within the jurisdiction of the bill (likely a state-level scope, given the Assembly numbering).
  • School districts, administrators, and boards seeking to adopt or display Indigenous names.
  • Indigenous communities and organizations that may be consulted or involved in naming decisions (subject to the bill’s specific provisions).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Referred to Education: March 25, 2025
  • Held for consideration in Education: May 20, 2025
  • The bill is currently in committee (Education) with no further action indicated in the provided summary; passage would require committee approval and subsequent floor votes.

Sponsors and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Karl Brabenec
  • Notable co-sponsors: Scott H. Bendett, Robert Smullen, John Lemondes, Matthew Simpson, Eric Brown, Jeff Gallahan, Chris Tague, David DiPietro, Joe DeStefano, Doug Smith, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Jodi Giglio, David McDonough, Anil Beephan Jr., Joe Angelino, John K. Mikulin, Michael Durso, Philip Palmesano, Samuel Pirozzolo, Stephen Hawley
  • Related companion: S 6974 (Senate companion)

Context and potential impact

  • The bill can be seen as an effort to recognize and honor Indigenous heritage in public education settings by allowing Indigenous names to be used or displayed in schools.
  • If enacted, districts could consider cultural consultation with Indigenous communities when selecting or using names, and signage or branding might reflect Indigenous cultural terms, languages, or historical references.
  • Potential considerations include ensuring accuracy, respectful representation, and alignment with district branding, community sentiment, and state policies.

Next steps

  • Monitor for further committee action, amendments, and floor votes.
  • Review the full bill text for precise scope, requirements, and any fiscal or administrative implications.
  • Consider engagement with Indigenous communities and education stakeholders if evaluating adoption at the local district level.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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