California Tribal Compact Bill Secures Assembly Approval

California Senator Bill Dodd announced that two of his measures, including a tribal gaming compact, have been greenlit by the Assembly. He praised this development, calling it a “win for everyone.”

Dodd’s Bill Was Approved by the Assembly

As per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, states can sign gaming compacts with Native tribes, allowing the latter to offer certain gaming offerings in their territory. In California, the governor is responsible for negotiating such compacts, which are later ratified by the Legislature.

Dodd’s Senate Bill 931 has now been approved and will therefore head to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. Once the governor signs it, the measure will be handed to the Legislature for ratification.

For context, SB 931 outlines changes to the compacts with three of the local tribes, namely:

• Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
• The Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria
• The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians

In addition, the new compact applies to four new tribes. These include the following:

• The Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the Campo Indian Reservation
• The Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria
• The La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the La Posta Indian Reservation
• The Timbisha Shoshone Tribe

Dodd commented on the matter, saying that the new compact would enhance economic stability among California’s first people. In addition to that, it would provide good revenue and stable jobs to thousands of others, making it a win-win scenario.

In addition, the Assembly also approved Dodd’s proposed wildfire measure that would save lives by improving prevention standards.

Another Bill Would Allow Tribes to Sue Cardrooms

In the meantime, SB 549, which could potentially allow California’s tribes to sue cardrooms in the state, gained traction. The feud between tribes and cardrooms has raged for years, with the former taking issue with the latter’s offering of poker, baccarat and blackjack.

SB 549 would create a Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act that would allow the tribes to take this matter to court and sue their cardroom competitors. The bill was just cleared by the California Assembly and Senate, boosting its momentum.

For context, California’s current law prevents tribes from filing lawsuits or being sued in state courts because of their sovereign status.  

In other news, a local man recently pled guilty to money laundering and illegal gambling in a scheme that operated in California and Las Vegas.