A bill making its way through the California Legislature would allow communities to vote on tribal casino proposals.

The votes would be non-binding. But supporters say they will send a message to the governor, lawmakers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs about opposition to casinos.

The bill passed the state Assembly on Tuesday. It is sponsored by Loni Hancock, whose district is home to one urban casino and may be home to some more.

In related news, a bill to ratify two off-reservation casinos was pulled from the state Senate on Tuesday. The sponsor said there appeared to be no support for compacts with the Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians.

Get the Story:
Assembly OKs measure giving communities input on casinos (The Contra Costa Times 4/26)
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Gaming bill pulled from state Senate (The San Bernardino Sun 4/27)