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California Bill Gives Local Communities a Voice

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat: "A North Coast lawmaker is crafting legislation designed to ensure that local governments have the opportunity to negotiate concessions from Indian tribes seeking to build casinos.

"The bill, which is expected to be finalized next month, could affect how the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are allowed to proceed with plans for a casino with 2,000 slot machines and a 300-room hotel just west of Rohnert Park.

"Local governments have been shut out of negotiations between the state and the 53 tribes that operate casinos in California, said Assemblyman Joe Nation, a San Rafael Democrat who is sponsoring the bill. Those deals have direct impacts on local governments, and local officials should be included in talks, Nation said.

"…The legislation wouldn't affect tribes that already have state gaming compacts, which regulate the scope of gambling operations.

"However, the proposed legislation would require Indian tribes to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with city and county governments before they could obtain gaming compacts from the state. The bill also would apply to tribes seeking to renegotiate gaming compacts…"

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