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MAY 17, 2001

Washington Governor Gary Locke last week signed into law a new bill that waives its sovereign immunity for resolving disputes with tribes that have gaming compacts.

The bill originally included waiving immunity for contract or agreement disputes with all tribes. But it was changed because some lawmakers feared it would lead to a rash of lawsuits.

Of the 28 federally recognized tribes, the law doesn't affect the Spokane Tribe, the Shoalwater Bay Tribe and the Colville Confederated Tribes. The Spokane and Colville tribes operate gaming facilities but don't have compacts.

Get the Story:
Solving gaming disputes now easier (The Spokesman Review 5/15)