Gaming: Tribal-state gaming compacts.

Assembly Member Ramos proposes modifying California's tribal-state gaming compact review process by extending the legislative consideration period that follows a joint recess. Under the measure, when the standard 30-day review window for gaming compacts ends during a legislative recess, the review period would continue until 20 days after lawmakers reconvene, rather than the current 15-day extension.

The bill maintains the existing framework established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which authorizes tribal gaming through negotiated state-tribal compacts. The Governor continues as California's designated negotiator for these agreements, which require legislative ratification. Compacts identical to previously approved agreements from 1999 receive automatic ratification unless rejected by both legislative chambers within the review period. Those with material differences require explicit legislative approval.

The measure preserves other key provisions of current law, including recognition of tribal sovereignty in compact negotiations and the exclusion of on-reservation compliance activities from California Environmental Quality Act review. The Secretary of State retains responsibility for forwarding ratified compacts to the U.S. Department of Interior for final federal approval.