WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 6436

Replaces instances of the words or variations of the words American Indian with the words Indigenous peoples or a variation thereof

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie and 4 co-sponsors

Replaces American Indian with Indigenous peoples in state statutes and regulations to adopt current, inclusive official terminology.

REFERRED TO CULTURAL AFFAIRS, TOURISM, PARKS AND RECREATION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 6436

Bill S 6436 — Summary

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 6436 seeks to modernize state terminology by replacing instances of the words “American Indian” (and variations of that phrasing) with “Indigenous peoples” or a variation thereof. The overarching goal is to align official language with inclusive, contemporary terms used to refer to Indigenous communities.

Key Provisions

  • Replacements in official text: The bill would mandate or authorize the substitution of “American Indian” with “Indigenous peoples” or a comparable variation in statutes, regulations, and related official documents within scope.
  • Scope of text: While specific texts are not listed in the summary, the intended effect is to apply to state statutes and possibly regulatory or administrative materials where the term appears.
  • Implementation notes: The exact process, schedule, and enforcement mechanisms (e.g., which agencies are responsible for identification and updating of language) are not detailed in the provided information.

Affected Parties and Entities

  • State government agencies and departments that draft, administer, or reference statutes and regulations containing the term “American Indian.”
  • Legislative staff and legal counsel responsible for revising statutory and regulatory language.
  • Indigenous communities and organizations, who would benefit from more current and inclusive terminology in official state texts.
  • The general public interacting with state laws and forms that may contain the term.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
  • Legislative actions: The provided record lists the referral action as occurring on the same date, with no additional actions documented in the summary.

Related Legislation

  • Related/Senate bills: S 7274 (prior-session) and S 5631 (prior-session).
  • Companion/Assembly: A 8529 (companion bill) noted for parallel consideration in the Assembly.

Potential Impact

  • Policy tone and inclusivity: Promotes more current, respectful terminology in state law and official materials.
  • Compliance and costs: Potential administrative effort and costs associated with reviewing and updating statutes, regulations, and forms; exact fiscal impact is not specified.
  • Legal and historical texts: Changes could affect citations and references in existing law; detailed implementation guidance would be in the bill’s text and any accompanying regulatory guidance.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the information provided. The actual bill text would specify the precise scope, definitions, implementation timeline, and any exemptions or transitional provisions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.