Five California tribes will have to defend their proposed gaming compacts again this year.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe signed compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). The deals would allow the tribes to operate more slot machines.

Democrats blocked the compacts amid concerns over labor unions. New hearings will be held this year to consider each of the agreements.

Meanwhile, the Schwarzenegger says it will re-examine the compacts in light a recent decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The decision cut the National Indian Gaming Commission out of Class III regulation, leaving it to tribes and states through compacts.

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Federal-court ruling may impact California gaming deals (The Capitol Weekly 1/4)