BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | AB 475|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 475
Author: Bigelow (R), et al.
Amended: 5/26/15 in Assembly
Vote: 27 - Urgency
NOTE: On May 12, 2015, the Senate Governmental Organization
Committee held an informational hearing on the
tribal-state gaming compact between the State of
California and the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk
Indians.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/28/15 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Tribal gaming: compact ratification
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST: This bill ratifies the tribal-state gaming compact
(Compact) entered into between the State of California and the
Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians (hereafter "Tribe")
executed on February 1, 2015; provides that, in deference to
tribal sovereignty, certain actions are not deemed projects for
purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
stipulates, except as expressly provided, that none of the
provisions shall be construed to exempt a city, county, or city
and county, or the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) from
CEQA requirements.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
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1)Provides, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), for
the negotiation and conclusion of compacts between federally
recognized Indian tribes and the State for the purpose of
conducting Class III gaming activities on Indian lands within
a State as a means of promoting tribal economic development,
self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments.
2)Expressly authorizes a number of tribal-state gaming compacts
between the State of California and specified Indian tribes.
3)Authorizes the conduct of Class III gaming activities to the
extent such activities are permitted by state law, a gaming
compact has been concluded by a federally recognized tribe and
the State, and the compact has been approved by the Secretary
of the Interior.
4)Limits the operation of Class III gaming activities to Indian
lands acquired on or before October 17, 1988. Provides for
certain exceptions to conduct gaming activities on Indian
lands acquired after October 17, 1988.
5)Defines Indian lands to mean all lands within the limits of
any Indian reservation, and any lands title to which is either
held in trust by the United States for the benefit of any
Indian tribe, or individual, or held by any Indian tribe or
individual subject to restriction by the U.S. against
alienation and over which an Indian tribe exercises
governmental power.
6)Requires the State to negotiate to conclude a compact in good
faith with an Indian tribe having jurisdiction over the Indian
lands upon which the Class III gaming activity is to be
conducted. Provides the U.S. district courts with
jurisdiction over any cause of action initiated by a tribal
government alleging that the State failed to negotiate in good
faith to conclude a compact. Prescribes the remedy, mediation
supervised by the courts, if it is found that the State failed
to negotiate in good faith to conclude a compact.
7)Authorizes the Governor, under the California Constitution, to
negotiate and conclude compacts, subject to ratification by
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the Legislature.
This bill ratifies the Compact between the State of California
and the Jackson Rancheria Tribe which was executed on February
1, 2015 and supersedes the 1999 compact between the Tribe and
the State of California. The Compact authorizes the Tribe to
operate a maximum of 1,800 slot machines (200 less than
authorized under the Tribe's 1999 compact) at no more than two
gaming facilities, and only on those Indian lands held in trust
for the Tribe as of the execution date of this Compact, as
described. The Tribe may combine and operate in each gaming
facility any forms and kinds of gaming permitted under law,
except to the extent limited under IGRA and any applicable
regulations adopted pursuant thereto, this Compact, or the
Tribe's gaming ordinance.
The Tribe has agreed to pay the State its pro rata share of the
costs the State incurs for the performance of its duties under
the Compact as well as approximately 8% of the casino's net win,
to be shared with tribes that are not gaming or that otherwise
are not substantially benefiting from gaming. Additionally, the
Compact provides a framework for the sharing of gaming revenue
with Amador County and other local jurisdictions for
infrastructure improvements and fire, law enforcement, public
transit, education, tourism and other services. Furthermore,
the Compact provides incentives for investments in renewable
energy projects, non-gaming related economic development
projects and health care facilities that provide a mutual
benefit to the Tribe and the local community.
Once effective (legislative ratification and federal approval
required), this Compact will be in full force and effect for
State law purposes for 20 years following the effective date.
Background
The Jackson Rancheria has been a federally recognized band of
Miwuk Indians since 1895 and occupies over 1,400 acres of land
near the city of Jackson in Amador County. The Tribe has
operated a bingo hall since 1985 and entered into a compact with
the State of California for Class III gaming in 1999.
According to information provided by the Tribe, the Jackson
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Rancheria is a small tribe (18-voting members) that is deeply
involved in the community and economic life of Amador County.
The Tribe is a responsible steward of its tribal lands, which
encompass a diverse ecosystem in the Sierra foothills. The
Tribe references that its beautiful RV Park, which is tastefully
situated in a secluded forest setting, is a regional attraction
and nationally recognized as an elite facility.
The Tribe emphasizes that it has demonstrated its dedication to
economic development and public projects benefitting both the
Tribe and the community - these include long-standing tribal
contributions to law enforcement and other public safety
programs in Amador County, such as fire protection, as well as
significant contributions to the hospital, recreational
facilities (including the Indian Grinding Rock State Park), and
the County Fair. Additionally, the Tribe points out that in the
past ten years, it has provided millions of dollars to support a
host of community programs ranging from schools and the arts,
drug and alcohol abuse prevention, care for the elderly, and
employment of Native American youth.
Furthermore, the Tribe notes that it has invested in programs
which have enhanced its workforce (e.g., establishment of a
local health clinic and adoption of a minimum wage that exceeds
California's minimum wage).
In 1999, the Tribe and the State entered into a Tribal-State
compact, which enabled the Tribe, through revenues generated by
its gaming operation, to improve the governance, environment,
education, health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens,
and to promote a strong tribal government, self-sufficiency, and
to provide essential government services to its citizens.
The Tribe's current casino operation, known as the Jackson
Rancheria Casino Resort, has approximately 1,650 Class III
gaming devices (slot machines), offers 36 table games, five
restaurants, a hotel with 86 rooms, and both indoor and outdoor
entertainment venues. The casino resort complex also employs
approximately 1,200 people. The Tribe reports that "it has no
current plans to expand the facility, and facing competition
from other tribal casinos, is not likely to do so in the
foreseeable future."
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The Compact's preamble indicates that the State and the Tribe
recognize that the exclusive rights the Tribe will enjoy under
this Compact provide a unique opportunity for the Tribe to
continue to engage in gaming activities in an economic
environment free of competition from the operation of slot
machines and banked card games on non-Indian lands in California
and that this unique economic environment is of great value to
the Tribe.
Additionally, the Compact's preamble specifies that in
consideration of the exclusive rights enjoyed by the Tribe to
engage in gaming activities and to operate the number of gaming
devices specified in the Compact, and the other meaningful
concessions offered by the State in good faith negotiations, and
pursuant to IGRA, the Tribe reaffirms its commitment, inter
alia, to provide to the State, on a sovereign-to-sovereign
basis, and to local jurisdictions, fair cost reimbursement and
mitigation from revenues from the gaming devices operated
pursuant to this Compact.
The Compact's preamble also states the Tribe and the State share
an interest in mitigating the off-reservation impacts of the
gaming facility, affording meaningful consumer and employee
protections in connection with the operations of the gaming
facility, fairly regulating the gaming activities conducted at
the gaming facility, and fostering a good-neighbor relationship.
Furthermore, the Compact's preamble stipulates that the State
and the Tribe have concluded that this Compact protects the
interests of the Tribe and its members, the surrounding
community, and the California public, and will promote and
secure long-term stability, mutual respect, and mutual benefits.
Key Provisions of the Compact
1)Scope of Class III Gaming Authorized. Authorizes the Tribe to
operate up to 1,800 gaming devices (slot machines), banking or
percentage card games, and any devices or games that are
authorized under state law to the California State Lottery.
Provides that the Tribe may not operate roulette games (table
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or mechanical) or any game that incorporates the physical use
of a die or dice. Also, prohibits the Tribe from engaging in
Class III Gaming that is not expressly authorized in the
Compact.
2)Authorized Gaming Facility. Provides that the Tribe may
establish and operate not more than two gaming facilities and
engage in Class III Gaming only on eligible Indian lands held
in trust for the Tribe, located within the boundaries of the
Jackson Rancheria as those boundaries exist as of the
execution date of this Compact, as legally described in the
Compact. If the Tribe chooses to operate more than one gaming
facility, then one of the two gaming facilities shall have no
more than three hundred (300) gaming devices and shall have a
primary purpose other than gaming authorized under IGRA.
3)Exclusivity. Provides that in the event the exclusive right
of Indian tribes to operate Class III gaming in California
pursuant to the California Constitution is nullified by the
enactment, amendment, or repeal of a state statute or
constitutional provision or the conclusive and dispositive
judicial construction of a statute or the state Constitution
by a California appellate court after the effective date of
this Compact, that gaming devices may lawfully be operated by
non-Indian entities, the Tribe shall have the right to: (i)
terminate this Compact, in which case the Tribe will lose the
right to operate Class III gaming authorized by this Compact
or (ii) continue under this Compact with entitlement to a
reduction of the rates specified below following conclusion of
negotiations, to provide for (a) compensation to the State for
the reasonable costs of regulation, as defined; (b) reasonable
payments to local governments impacted by tribal government
gaming; (c) grants for programs designed to address gambling
addiction; and, (d) such assessments as may be permissible at
such time under federal law.
4)Payments to the Special Distribution Fund (SDF). Provides
that the Tribe shall pay to the State on a pro rata basis the
costs the State incurs for the performance of all its duties
under this Compact, as established by the monies appropriated
in the annual Budget Act for the performance of their duties
under the Class III Gaming Compacts each fiscal year for the
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California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC), the California
Department of Justice, the Office of the Governor and the
California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of
Problem Gambling, or any agency or agencies the State
designates as a successor to them. The Tribe's pro rata share
of the State's costs in any given year this Compact is in
effect shall be calculated using the following equation: "The
maximum number of gaming devices operated in the gaming
facility for the previous fiscal year as determined by the
State Gaming Agency, divided by the maximum number of gaming
devices operated by all federally recognized tribes in
California pursuant to tribal-state Class-III gaming compacts
during the previous fiscal year, multiplied by costs, equals
the Tribe's pro rata share."
5)Payments to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF) or Tribal
Nation Grant Fund (TNGF). Provides that if the Tribe operates
more than three hundred fifty (350) gaming devices at any time
in a given calendar year, it shall thereafter, including in
that calendar year, pay to CGCC, for deposit into the RSTF or
the TNGF, eight percent (8%) of its Net Win from its operation
of gaming devices in excess of three hundred fifty (350).
"Net Win" is defined as the drop from gaming devices, plus the
redemption value of expired tickets, less fills, less payouts,
less participation fees (e.g., payments made to gaming
resource suppliers on a periodic basis by the gaming operation
for the right to lease or otherwise offer for play gaming
devices), less that portion of the gaming operation's payments
to a third-party wide-area progressive jackpot system provider
that is contributed only to the progressive jackpot amount.
6)Credits Applied to RSTF or the TNGF. Provides that the State
agrees to provide the Tribe with an annual credit for up to
forty percent (40%) of the payments otherwise due to be paid
into the RSTF or TNGF for the following:
a) Payments by the Tribe to the County of Amador and local
jurisdictions operating facilities or providing services
within the County for purposes of improved fire, law
enforcement, public transit, education, tourism, and other
services and infrastructure improvements intended to serve
off-reservation needs of County residents - such payments
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shall be subject to approval by the County or local
jurisdiction in the County and at least twenty percent
(20%) of the annual credits must be utilized for the above
stated purposes;
b) Payments by the Tribe to reimburse Amador County for any
loss of sales tax revenues to the County that would
otherwise be due for retail sales at the Tribe's gaming
facility or transient occupancy tax at the Tribe's hotel if
it was not located on Indian lands. Such reimbursements
shall be subject to approval by the County;
c) Payments to support operating expenses and capital
improvements for non-tribal governmental agencies or
facilities operating within Amador County;
d) Non-gaming related capital investments and economic
development projects by the Tribe on tribal trust lands
that the State or State designated agency agrees provides
mutual benefits to the Tribe and the State because, for
instance, they have particular cultural, social or
environmental value, or diversify the sources of revenue
for the Tribe's general fund;
e) Investments in, and any funds paid to the State in
connection with, renewable energy projects that, in part,
serve the gaming facility, to include facilities that
incorporate charging stations for electric or other
zero-emission vehicles that are available to patrons and
employees of the gaming facility; and,
f) Payments (not including direct or indirect state or
federal funding) to support capital improvements and
operating expenses for facilities within California that
provide health care services to tribal members, Indians,
and non-Indians.
All excess authorized credits that cannot be applied in any
one year because they would exceed the forty percent (40%)
may be applied as an annual credit in all following years
that this Compact is in effect, in the same percentages,
until completely exhausted.
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7)Quarterly Contribution Report. Provides that at the time each
quarterly payment is due, the Tribe shall submit to the State
a report, prepared and certified by an authorized
representative of the gaming operation that includes: (a)
calculation of the maximum number of gaming devices operated
each day, (b) the Net Win calculation, (c) the amount due the
SDF, (d) calculation of the amount due to the RSTF/TNGF, and
(e) the total amount of the quarterly payment.
Additional Compact Components
Gaming Ordinance and Regulations. Requires that all
gaming activities comply with (1) a gaming ordinance duly
adopted by the Tribe and approved in accordance with IGRA,
(2) all rules, regulations, procedures, specifications, and
standards duly adopted by the National Indian Gaming
Commission (NIGC), the Tribal Gaming Agency, and the State
Gaming Agency, and (3) the provisions of this Compact, as
specified.
Licensing Requirements and Procedures. Provides that
all persons in any way connected with the gaming operation
or gaming facility who are required to be licensed or to
submit to a background investigation under IGRA, and any
others required to be licensed under this Compact,
including, without limitation, all gaming employees, gaming
resource suppliers, financial sources, and any other person
having a significant influence over the gaming operation,
must be licensed by the Tribal Gaming Agency and cannot
have had any determination of suitability denied or revoked
by the CGCC. Also, every gaming employee must obtain, and
thereafter maintain current, a valid tribal gaming license,
as specified.
Environmental Protections. Requires the Tribe to
prepare a Tribal Environmental Impact Report (TEIR) and
negotiate mitigation of any off-reservation impacts. The
Tribe's failure to prepare an adequate TEIR when required
shall be deemed a breach of this Compact and furthermore
shall be grounds for issuance of an injunction or other
appropriate equitable relief. A completed TEIR must be
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filed with the County, the City, the Department of Justice,
the State Clearinghouse and the State Gaming Agency. Also,
provides for binding arbitration if an intergovernmental
agreement with the County is not entered into within 55
days of the submission of the final TEIR, or such further
time as the Tribe or the County may mutually agree in
writing. Any party may demand binding arbitration before a
single arbitrator as set forth in the Compact.
Employee Protections. Provides that the Tribe may
create and maintain a system that provides redress for
employee work-related injuries, as specified and through
requiring insurance or self-insurance, which system must
include a scope of coverage, availability of an independent
medical examination, right to notice, hearings before an
independent tribunal, a means of enforcement against the
employer, and benefits comparable to those mandated for
comparable employees under state law. Provides that not
later than the effective date of this Compact, the Tribe
will advise the State of its election to participate in the
statutory workers' compensation system or, alternatively,
will forward to the State all relevant ordinances that have
been adopted and all other documents establishing the
system and demonstrating that the system is fully
operational and compliant with the comparability standard,
as described. Independent contractors doing business with
the Tribe must comply with all state workers' compensation
laws and obligations. Additionally, provides that the
Tribe agrees that its gaming operation will participate in
the State's program for providing unemployment compensation
benefits and unemployment compensation disability benefits
with respect to employees employed at the gaming facility,
as described. Furthermore, provides that the Tribe agrees
to adopt and comply with standards no less stringent than
federal and state employment discrimination laws.
Patron Protections (injuries and gambling). Provides
that the Tribe, through its tribal gaming agency, must
attempt to resolve patron disputes within three days of the
play or operation of any game, including refusal to pay to
a patron any alleged winnings from any gaming activities.
If the patron is dissatisfied with the resolution, the
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patron may request that the dispute be resolved either in
the Tribe's tribal court system or through binding
arbitration before a single arbitrator, who shall be a
retired judge, in accordance with the streamlined
arbitration rules and procedures of JAMS (Judicial
Arbitration and Mediation Services). Also, provides that
the Tribe agrees to waive sovereign immunity in order to be
compelled in federal or state court to abide by the
resolution of arbitration. Additionally, provides that the
Tribe agrees to maintain commercial general liability
insurance of no less than $10 million per occurrence for
bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.
Enhanced Audit and Compliance Review Procedures. In
addition to providing for an annual independent audit, this
Compact allows the state to conduct its own annual audit
and compact compliance review.
Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS). Provides
that the Tribe must adopt and comply with standards that
meet or exceed the federal NIGC standards. The MICS are
incorporated in this Compact as an appendix (Appendix D),
which shall be updated periodically by the State Gaming
Agency and Tribal Gaming Agency, to ensure the MICS keep up
with changing technology and industry standards.
Inspection and Testing of Slot Machines. Requires slot
machines to be tested, approved and certified by an
independent gaming test laboratory or state governmental
gaming test laboratory to ensure they are being operated
according to specified technical standards. Also, requires
the Tribal Gaming Agency to maintain adequate records that
demonstrate compliance with software and hardware
specifications. In addition, authorizes the State Gaming
Agency to annually conduct up to four random inspections of
slot machines in operation to confirm that the slot
machines are operating in conformance with these standards.
Compliance Enforcement. Provides that it is the
responsibility of the Tribal Gaming Agency to conduct
on-site gaming regulation and control in order to enforce
the terms of this Compact, IGRA, any applicable NIGC and
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State Gaming Agency regulations, and the tribal gaming
ordinance with respect to gaming operation and facility
compliance, and to protect the integrity of the gaming
activities, the reputation of the Tribe and the gaming
operation for honesty and fairness, and the confidence of
patrons that tribal government gaming in California meets
the highest standards of regulation and internal controls.
To meet those responsibilities, the tribal gaming agency
shall adopt and enforce regulations, procedures, and
practices.
Labor Provisions. Provides that the Tribe has agreed to
continue its adoption of the Tribal Labor Relations
Ordinance (TLRO), which governs the organizational and
representational rights of the employees at the tribal
casino and gaming facility and which is referenced as
Appendix C of this Compact. In addition, the Tribe and
Unite HERE, the hotel and casino workers union, have
entered into a bilateral agreement in which the Tribe has
agreed not to interfere in any organizational campaign to
determine representation of the employees and Unite HERE
has agreed not to engage in any negative economic activity,
including strikes, at the Tribe's gaming facilities. The
TLRO provides for a secret ballot election.
Problem Gambling. Requires the gaming operation to
establish a program, approved by the Tribal Gaming Agency,
to mitigate pathological and problem gaming by implementing
specified measures.
Prohibitions Regarding Minors. Provides that the Tribe
shall prohibit persons under the age of twenty-one (21)
years from being present in any room or area in which
gaming activities are being conducted unless the person is
in route to a non-gaming area of the gaming facility, or is
employed at the Gaming Facility in a capacity other than as
a gaming employee.
Alcohol Provisions. Makes it explicit that the
purchase, sale, and service of alcoholic beverages shall be
subject to state law - the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
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Tobacco Provisions. Provides that the Tribe agrees to
provide a non-smoking area in the gaming facility and to
utilize a ventilation system throughout the gaming facility
that exhausts tobacco smoke to the extent reasonably
feasible under state-of-the-art technology existing as of
the date of the construction or significant renovation of
the gaming facility, and further agrees not to offer or
sell tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age.
Protection of the Public. Prohibits the Tribe from
conducting Class III Gaming in a manner that endangers the
public health, safety, or welfare; provided that nothing
herein shall be construed to make applicable to the Tribe
any state laws or regulations governing the use of tobacco.
Health and Safety Standards. Provides that the Tribe
has agreed to adopt and comply with state public health
standards for food and beverage handling and federal water
quality and safe drinking standards applicable to
California.
Building Codes and Fire Safety. Provides that in order
to assure the protection of the health and safety of all
gaming facility patrons, guests, and employees, the Tribe
shall adopt and maintain throughout the term of this
Compact, an ordinance that requires any covered gaming
facility construction to meet or exceed the California
Building Code and the Public Safety Code applicable to the
county in which the gaming facility is located.
Emergency Services Accessibility and Possession of
Firearms. Provides that the Tribe must make reasonable
provisions for adequate emergency fire, medical, and
related relief and disaster services for patrons and
employees. Also, prohibits the possession of firearms by
any person in the gaming facility at all times except for
federal, state, or local law enforcement personnel, or
tribal law enforcement or security personnel, as
authorized.
Effective Date. Provides that this Compact shall not be
effective unless and until all of the following have
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occurred: (a) The Compact is ratified by statute in
accordance with state law and (b) Notice of approval or
constructive approval is published in the Federal Register.
Once effective, this Compact shall be in full force and
effect for State law purposes for 20 years following the
effective date. If this Compact does not take effect by
September 17, 2017, it shall be deemed null and void unless
the Tribe and the State agree in writing to extend the
date.
Amendments and Renegotiations. Provides that the terms
and conditions of this Compact may be amended at any time
by the mutual and written agreement of both parties during
the term of this Compact provided that each party
voluntarily consents to such negotiations in writing. No
sooner than eighteen (18) months before the termination of
this Compact, either party may request the other party to
enter into negotiations to extend the term of this Compact
or to enter into a new Class III compact.
Prior/Related Legislation
SB 1356 (De León, Chapter 314, Statutes of 2014) ratified the
amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact entered into
between the State of California and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay
Indians, executed on August 12, 2014.
SB 1224 (Correa, Chapter 300, Statutes of 2014) ratified the
tribal-state gaming compact entered into between the State of
California and the Karuk Tribe, executed on December 4, 2013.
AB 1245 (V. Manuel Perez, Chapter 462, Statutes of 2013)
ratified the tribal-state gaming compact entered into between
the State of California and the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians
located in Riverside County, executed on June 10, 2013.
AB 277 (Hall, Chapter 51, Statutes of 2013) ratified two new
compacts entered into between the State of California and the
following tribes: North Fork Rancheria, executed on August 31,
2012 and the Wiyot Tribe, executed on March 20, 2013.
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AB 1267 (Hall, Chapter 6, Statutes of 2013) ratified the amended
tribal-state gaming compact entered into between the State of
California and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians,
executed on November 15, 2012.
SB 668 (Fuller, Chapter 67, Statutes of 2013) ratified the
tribal-state gaming compact entered into between the State of
California and the Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute
Indians, executed on February 28, 2013.
AB 517 (Hall, Chapter 12, Statutes of 2012) ratified the
tribal-state gaming compact entered into between the State of
California and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of
Sonoma County, executed on March 27, 2012.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal
Com.:YesLocal: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 6/2/15)
Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians
American Federation of Labor
Amador County Board of Supervisors
Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan
California Teamsters Public Affairs Council
City of Jackson
Ione Business & Community Association
Pala Band of Mission Indians
UNITE-HERE
United Auburn Indian Community
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/2/15)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The Governor's Office points out that "in
order to assure mitigation of off-reservation impacts of gaming
related projects, the Tribe will engage in a process that
identifies impacts and produces a binding agreement with Amador
County on specific mitigation measures. Also, to protect the
health and safety of patrons, guests, and employees, the gaming
facility must meet pertinent provisions of the California
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Building Code and the California Public Safety Code."
According to the Governor's Office, "certain terms of the
Compact are consistent with provisions of more recent compacts
related to licensing, compliance enforcement and mitigation of
off-reservation gaming impacts, but have been updated to
reflect, among other things, the evolving nature of financial
markets, as well as the professionalism of the Tribe's
regulators and their constructive relationship with state gaming
regulators."
The Governor's Office contends that "this Compact continues to
assure the protection of the health and safety of the casino
patrons, guests and employees and affirms the role of a
tribal-state association of gaming regulators to provide a
framework within which tribal and state gaming regulators can
exchange information and collaborate to ensure that the gaming
public has continued confidence in the integrity of casino
operations."
Writing in support, the Tribe states that "ratification of this
new Compact permits the Tribe to continue supporting programs
benefitting tribal members, tribal employees, and the larger
Amador community. It also represents a positive step forward in
the relationship between the Jackson Rancheria and the State of
California as it addresses many of the issues of mutual concern
that have arisen since the 1999 compact was signed."
The Amador County Board of Supervisors states that "it has had a
long history of a very positive relationship with the Jackson
Rancheria, and believes that this compact will strengthen that
partnership in the future. Over the years, the Jackson
Rancheria, in an attempt to mitigate the impact that it has on
the County, has voluntarily contributed millions of dollars to
Amador County and cities within the County." The County has
also expressed support of the compact provisions that will allow
the Rancheria to get credit for up to 40% of their mandated
payments to the State by redirecting those funds pursuant to
local agreements for specified services, impacts and
infrastructure improvements.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/28/15
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AYES: Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bonilla, Bonta,
Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez,
Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd,
Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia,
Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Hadley,
Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer,
Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis,
Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte,
O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon,
Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark
Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams,
Wood, Atkins
NO VOTE RECORDED: Achadjian, Bloom, Gomez, Grove
Prepared by:Arthur Terzakis / G.O. / (916) 651-1530
6/3/15 13:25:54
**** END ****