Tribal gaming: compact ratification.

Assembly Member Soria's tribal gaming legislation ratifies a fourth amendment to California's gaming compact with the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians while modifying environmental review requirements for specific compact-related actions. The amendment, executed in June 2025, updates the existing agreement between the state and tribe under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

The bill exempts several compact-related activities from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review requirements, including the execution of the gaming compact itself, intergovernmental agreements between the tribe and local governments or state agencies, and on-reservation impacts from compact compliance. However, these exemptions apply narrowly - cities, counties, state agencies, and local jurisdictions must still comply with CEQA requirements for activities not explicitly listed in the legislation.

Designated as an urgency statute, the measure takes effect immediately upon passage to expedite economic development opportunities for the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians. The bill's findings cite the need to enhance tribal self-sufficiency while protecting the interests of tribal members, surrounding communities, and California residents.