The Attorney General’s Public Law 280 Advisory Council

A Commitment to Partnership Between Tribal Governments and Local, State and Federal Justice Agencies to Improve Public Safety on Tribal Lands and Build Trust in the Criminal Justice System Together

On August 8, 2024, Attorney General Bonta established a first-of-its-kind Public Law 280 Advisory Council (PL 280 Advisory Council). The PL 280 Advisory Council reflects a commitment to partnership between tribal governments and local, state, and federal justice agencies to improve public safety on tribal lands and build trust in the criminal justice system together. The PL 280 Advisory Council is focused on discussing and addressing complex jurisdictional issues and concerns surrounding public safety in Indian Country throughout the State of California. The PL 280 Advisory Council is comprised of Tribal leaders throughout the state, with or without tribal law enforcement, local and state law enforcement agencies that serve Indian Country, and local, state, and federal justice partners.

The purpose of this advisory body is to facilitate ongoing communication between local, tribal, state, and federal justice partners regarding systemic issues of concern and provide opportunity for collaborative discussions on improving public safety, thereby enhancing and informing positive and practical change. Assisting the Attorney General in facilitating this historic endeavor are renowned and nationally respected Public Law 280 experts Professor Carole Goldberg from the University of California at Los Angeles, School of Law, and Dorothy Alther, Legal Director of California Indian Legal Services.

Learn more about Public Law 280.

Learn more about the Attorney General’s PL 280 Advisory Council.