Artist's rendering of the proposed North Fork Rancheria casino. Image from North Fork Casino Environmental Impact Statement
A referendum to repeal a Class III gaming compact for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians in California will appear on the ballot as Proposition 48. The compact authorizes an off-reservation casino about 36 miles from tribal headquarters. It was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and a notice was published in the Federal Register on October 22, 2013. But a group called Stand Up for California collected enough signatures to put the compact to a statewide vote. The effort was funded, in part, by rival tribes with existing casinos. The Table Mountain Rancheria donated $1.4 million to the effort. An investor for the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians also contributed $1.4 million. It's likely the tribes will contribute more money as the November election approaches. But it's not clear what will happen if Proposition 48 passes since the compact has already been approved. A description of Proposition 48, from the California Secretary of State, follows:
Proposition 48 - Referendum to Overturn Indian Gaming CompactsBureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
If signed by the required number of registered voters and timely filed with the Secretary of State, this petition will place on the statewide ballot a challenge to a state law previously approved by the Legislature and the Governor. The law must then be approved by a majority of voters at the next statewide election to go into effect. The law ratifies two gaming compacts (with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, and the Wiyot Tribe); and it exempts execution of the compacts, certain projects, and intergovernmental agreements from the California Environmental Quality Act. (13-0007)
Press Release | Fact Sheet: North Fork Rancheria Decision | Section 20 Determination: North Fork Rancheria Federal Register Notices:
Indian Gaming (October 22, 2013)
Land Acquisitions; North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (December 3, 2012)
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