California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed AB1325, a bill to recognize tribal customary adoptions, on October 11.

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians pushed for the bill, considered the first of its kind in the U.S. It treats tribal adoptions with the same force as those in state court.

"Tribal customary adoption is one more step on our path to protecting native children," Vice Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo told The Valley Chronicle.

Tribal adoptions usually occur without termination of parental rights.

Get the Story:
Soboba tribe saluted for role in Indian adoptions law (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/23)
Courts to honor tribal traditions in adoptions (The Valley Chronicle 10/16)