California Governor Signs Historic Tribal Gaming Compacts

In a recent government meeting, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office presented four newly executed tribal-state gaming compacts aimed at enhancing economic development and self-sufficiency for the participating tribes. The compacts involve the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians, the Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians, the La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians, and the Tule River Indian Tribe.

These agreements are the result of extensive negotiations and reflect a commitment to fostering respectful government-to-government relationships. Each compact allows the tribes to operate a specified number of gaming devices at designated facilities on their trust-held lands within their reservations. The compacts also emphasize regulatory oversight, patron protections, and adherence to labor and health safety standards.

During the meeting, it was clarified that no formal vote would take place, as the purpose was to brief the committee on the compacts' contents. Ratification bills—SB 931, AB 2032, and AB 3276—will be considered by the full assembly in the near future. The committee welcomed Matthew Lee, the new senior advisor for tribal negotiations, who will oversee the presentation of the compacts.

Assemblymember Patterson expressed enthusiasm for the compact's outcomes, highlighting the positive impact on the tribes within his district. The meeting set the stage for further discussions and evaluations of the compacts, which are seen as a significant step towards empowering tribal governments in California.