California bill seeks to restrict tribal gaming sites

Thursday, April 3, 2008

A California lawmaker has introduced a bill that seeks to limit where a tribe can open an Indian gaming facility.

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 sites is 40 miles from the reservation.

The bill, however, would affect all tribes as they enter into compact negotiations with the state. It limits approval of compacts to sites "where the tribe has historically maintained its reservation."

Florez held a public hearing on the bill on March 13. North Fork Vice Chair Elaine Fink said other tribes with casinos -- the Table Mountain Rancheria and the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians -- are trying to block her people from becoming successful.

Get the Story:
Casino turf fights under scrutiny in (The Capitol Weekly 4/3)