Indian Gaming > Bill to limit compact talks in California advances

April 16, 2008

Bill to limit compact talks in California advances

California's Senate Governmental Organization Committee voted 9-1 on Tuesday on a bill that restricts compact negotiations.

SB1695 was introduced by Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat. He is apparently targeting the casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians because the gaming site is 40 miles from the reservation.

As originally written, the bill would bar the state from approving compacts for a tribe that seeks a casino outside of the area "where the tribe has historically maintained its reservation." But Florez changed it to limit approval to land that is already held in trust.

Tribes would therefore have to wait until they clear the land-into-trust process before they negotiate a gaming compact with the state.

Get the Story:
Florez gaming bill passes panel (The Fresno Bee 4/16)
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Capital Notes: No Federal Approval, No Casino? (KQED 4/15)