SACRAMENTO, CA – California Senate Bill 549, the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act, has been signed by Governor Newsom. The bill seeks to authorize a limited, one-time state court action to determine whether certain controlled games operated by commercial California cardrooms are banking card games that violate California law and infringe upon tribal exclusive gaming rights.
“We are incredibly pleased that the California Legislature and Governor Newsom have turned good legislation into law,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva. “This law simply provides a reasonable solution to a decade old dispute and provides clarity to tribes, the state and commercial cardrooms. This is good and fair public policy for all parties concerned. For much of California history, tribes have been precluded from having access to justice to defend what was rightfully ours. However, with the signing of this bill, Governor Newsom is making good on the spirit of his apology to tribes in 2019 by allowing us to simply seek justice to defend our rights.”
The bill was conceived by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who were the bill’s original sponsors.
“As one of more than 70 tribal leaders who fought for access to the justice system to protect our voter granted economic opportunities, I am grateful to the overwhelming majority of legislators and the governor for their support of SB 549,” said Viejas Chairman John Christman. “California’s past has been tragic for tribes, but this bill represents an important recognition of our rights and renewed commitment to the future of the state’s Native people.”
SB 549 had strong and dedicated support from its author, Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), as well as principal co-author Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Sen. Tony Atkins (D-San Diego), the former President Pro Tempore of the California Senate, who was an early and steadfast supporter of this legislation.
“I’m very gratified that Governor Newsom has signed SB 549, which will accord California’s Indian tribes to assert their right as the exclusive providers of casino-style gaming in California, as afforded by California’s voters through the passage of Prop 1A in 2000,” said Sen. Newman. “I’m equally grateful to my colleagues for the bipartisan support the bill enjoyed throughout the legislative process. Now, as a result of this important measure, the tribes will finally be able to seek clarity and closure in a court of law as the appropriate venue for resolving this longstanding dispute.”
