The California Supreme Court is holding a special session today to hear a case that will determine whether tribes are subject to the state's campaign finance laws.

The Fair Political Practices Commission, a state agency, sued the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Santa Rosa Indian Community. Both tribes have made campaign contributions to state political campaigns but didn't report them.

The lower courts said the tribes must comply with the state laws. Both argue they are immune as sovereign governments.

The arguments are being held in Santa Barbara.

Get the Story:
Justices hear arguments on campaign-finance rules for tribes (AP 10/4)

Court Decision:
FPPC V. Santa Rosa Indian Community (October 27, 2004)

Related Decision:
Agua Caliente Band v. FPPC (March 3, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Fair Political Practices Commission - http://www.fppc.ca.gov

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