The Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding the second consultation session on its proposed Section 20 regulations today in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The regulations will establish standards for implementing Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Under the law, tribes cannot open casinos on land acquired in trust after 1988 unless certain exceptions are met.

The exceptions apply to Oklahoma tribes, newly recognized tribes, restored tribes and tribes with land claim settlements. But if one of the four exceptions can't be met, a tribe can follow the two-part determination process that requires federal approval and the state governor's concurrence.

The session takes place from 2-5pm in the San Miguel Room of the Albuquerque Convention Center. Two additional meetings -- one in Sacramento, California, and another in Minneapolis, Minneapolis -- will be held before the close of the comment period on April 20.

No further meetings on the draft are planned at this time.

After reviewing public comments, the BIA plans to publish the proposal in the Federal Register, triggering another comment period. George Skibine, the director of the agency's Office of Indian Gaming Management, has said he hopes to have the rules finalized by the end of the summer.

Press Release:
DOI to Hold Consultation Meetings on Proposed IGRA Section 20 Regulations (March 27, 2006)

Draft BIA Regulations:
Gaming on Lands Acquired After October 17, 1998

Relevant Documents:
Kevin Gover Testimony | Aurene Martin Testimony | Title 25 CFR Part 151 Land-into-Trust Process | Section 20 of IGRA | GAO Report

Pombo IGRA Bill:
To amend section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to restrict off-reservation gaming (H.R.4893)

McCain IGRA Bill:
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2005 (S.2078)

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov
NIGC Indian Land Determinations - http://www.nigc.gov/nigc/nigcControl?option=LAND_DETERMINATIONS
National Indian Gaming Association - http://www.indiangaming.org

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