Santa Ynez Chumash amendment narrows liability language, allows modest device increases and a self‑insurance option

Matthew Lee summarized the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash amendment as conceptually similar to others presented at the hearing: a promise not to sue over specified revenue terms, modest increases in device counts and post‑Chicken Ranch cleanup language. He highlighted a provision that would permit the tribe to self‑insure for certain liabilities rather than purchase commercial insurance and said the compact extends to 2061. "You also see language that would allow the tribe to self insure, rather than purchase commercial liability insurance," Lee said.

Sen. Richardson pressed negotiators on recurring 500‑device increments found across multiple amendments and asked whether the device limits could be reconsidered; Lee and other negotiators explained that device limits are negotiated in the context of geographic constraints, the 2000 ballot measure (Prop 1A) that kept tribal gaming geographically limited, and a post‑Chicken Ranch caution about large expansions. Kenneth Khan, chairman of the Santa Ynez Band, told the committee the extension provides long‑term certainty and supports about 2,000 jobs and broader regional economic impact. The committee did not vote during the informational hearing.