The bill, first introduced by state Senator Melissa Hurtado, was passed into law by California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. 

Titled Senate Bill 900, the bill was co-authored by Assemblyman Rudy Salas, and was introduced to ratify gaming compacts between the state and two tribal groups; the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe and the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.  

The bill can classify both tribes as exempt by defining them as non-projects for the CEQA. Usually, development projects undergo thorough environmental reviews which can invite public scrutiny.  

Hurtado’s office released a news release, making no mention of the CEQA exemption. 

It read: “For decades the Tachi Yokut Tribe has been a valuable partner in the Kings County Community. 

“The tribe provides scholarship assistance, job training and adult education programs, health and welfare assistance and other social services. I am pleased that the Tachi Yokut Tribe will receive the recognition they deserve.” 

The Chairman of the Tachi Yokut tribe, Leo Sisco, thanked Hurtado: “On behalf of the Tachi Yokut Tribe, I would like to thank Gov. Newsom and Sen. Hurtado for leading the effort to pass our tribal-state to gaming compact. 

“We are pleased to continue our role as a positive economic force in the local community while maintaining the important opportunities and resources for our members, many of which are made possible by our gaming enterprise.”