A controversial bill affecting California tribes was considered at a "raucous hearing" on April 15, The Santa Ynez Valley Journal reports.

SB 170 allows tribes the ability to cancel "Williamson Act" contracts on land they purchase. Sen. Dean Florez (D) said the bill recognizes the tribal role in land management.

But opponents characterized the bill as a tribal "land grab." Most of the criticism was directed at the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, whose neighbors have opposed the tribe's casino and land-into-trust applications.

The bill only allows tribes to cancel Williamson Act contracts for cultural, housing and infrastructure improvements. The law gives property owners tax breaks as long as they keep land in agriculture production.

At the Senate Local Government Committee hearing, several lawmakers opposed the bill. Florez said he would try to come up with a compromise.

Get the Story:
CONTROVERSIAL BILL CRASHES IN COMMITTEE (The Santa Ynez Valley Journal 4/16)
SUPERVISORS OPPOSE S.B. 170 (The Santa Ynez Valley Journal 49)