Expansion of Tribal Housing Grant Program Signed Into Law by Governor Newsom

Sacramento, California — (September 16, 2026) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1322, authored by State Senator Laura Richardson (D‑South Bay), into law, marking a significant expansion of California’s tribal housing grant program and opening new pathways for sovereign tribal nations to secure critical housing resources.

“This bill makes it possible for sovereign tribal nations within California to access additional funds to buy, build, or rehabilitate adult and senior care housing, which is desperately needed,” said Senator Richardson. “I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his swift signing of SB 1322 and his dedication to serving all of California’s residents in these crucial times.”

SB 1322,sponsored by the Pala Band of Mission Indians: Pala Tribe, addresses ongoing challenges in navigating tribal sovereignty and land ownership that have made it difficult for tribes to access crucial housing resources. This bill strengthens the state’s commitment to tribal communities by expanding eligibility and increasing flexibility within the grant program. Funding will be administered through the California Department of Social Services, which oversees the program and will work directly with tribal governments to support housing acquisition and rehabilitation efforts.

“I want to thank Senator Laura Richardson for bringing forward SB 1322 and for listening to tribes about the very real challenges we face when working with state funding programs," said Robert Smith, Chairman of Pala Band of Mission Indians. "SB 1322 provides an opportunity to streamline this process and better align state funding agreements with federal frameworks, including HUD requirements that tribes have successfully worked under for many years."

This expansion ensures that tribal nations have greater access to state resources that promote safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing, particularly for adults and elders who rely on long‑term care options within their communities.

Requires the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to adopt existing federal tribal housing agreement guidelines for the Community Care Expansion Program applications to minimize application costs, unnecessary duplication and unwarranted denials. This bill would require CDSS to include its tribal liaison, designated by the department, in discussions with tribes throughout the grant process to ensure that tribal sovereignty is considered and honored. This bill would also exempt a tribal grantee from providing real property when federal restrictions limit tribal ownership of land. Further, CDSS can leverage its existing tribal liaison to support tribal engagement, which will reduce any associated costs.

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