Bill Banning School Use Of 'Redskins' Mascot Passes Committee

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – California is a step closing to making public school mascots racially friendly.

State lawmakers are hearing a bill called "the California Racial Mascots Act," designated AB30.

The bill would prevent the use of the word "Redskins" for mascots – a term often cited as a derogatory nickname for American Indians.

Native Americans and student activists testified in support of the bill.

RELATED: Bill Banning Redskins Name Would Cost School $60,000; Unclear If State Will Pick Up Tab

Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Santa Cruz), who sponsored the bill, announced Wednesday afternoon that AB30 had passed the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 7-1.

The bill will now go onto the appropriations committee.