The state of California and two tribes were in court on Wednesday to argue a critical sovereign immunity case.

The state's Fair Political Practices Commission says it can sue two tribes for not complying with campaign finance laws. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Santa Rosa Indian Community counter that they are immune from lawsuit without Congressional authorization or a voluntary waiver.

The California Supreme Court has 90 days to decide who is right. The ruling is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court no matter which way it goes.

The tribes say they are not intending to violate the law. The Agua Caliente Band, for example, posts records about its campaign contributions online.

Get the Story:
Court hears tribe lobbying case (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 10/5)
Tribal rights, campaign laws clash in case (Copley News Service 10/5)
Tribal finances have day in court (AP 10/5)

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

Related Stories:
OIG report details 'excessive' Internet use at DOI (10/4)
California's top court to hear tribal contribution case (09/07)
Court says state rights trump tribal sovereignty (10/28)
Agua Caliente Tribe appeals campaign finance ruling (04/29)
Calif. court rules tribes subject to state campaign laws (3/4)
Calif. court to rule on tribal political donations (2/19)
Calif. court to resolve conflicting tribal rulings (07/24)
Calif. election board appeals ruling favoring tribe (7/16)
Editorial: Don't negotiate state sovereignty (04/29)
Court rulings on campaign donations in conflict (4/28)
Calif. tribe appeals campaign donation suit (03/06)
Editorial: State sovereignty was under attack (3/4)
Indian gaming agenda discussed at meeting (02/28)
Calif. tribe subject to state election laws (2/28)
Tribal disclosure of gifts at issue (01/09)
Calif. tribe paid $100K to meet Norton (12/12)
State board alleges tribe failed to report (10/30)
Calif. tribe sued over political gifts (09/27)