SB1235 — Identified as one of the ratification bills for the seven compacts.
Matthew Lee — Matthew Lee, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations for Governor Newsom, is introduced and then explains that the state’s ability to negotiate certain terms in tribal-state gaming compacts has been limited by the Chicken Ranch decision. He says the administration is working to clean up existing compacts and describes the Pechanga amendment as a commitment not to sue over certain important revenue terms in that compact. He is then referenced again as the prior witness who just testified.
Matthew Lee — Explained that the Agua Caliente compact is similar to the Pechanga amendment and involves revenue terms and added gaming flexibility.
Mark McCarrow — Mark McCarrow, chairperson of the Pechanga Band of Indians, testified in support of the First Amendment to the Pichanga Tribal-State Compact. He introduced himself and described the tribe’s efforts to create jobs and generate revenue through the Pechanga Entertainment Center, noting its economic impact and the employment it provides in California. He then highlighted the tribe’s public-safety contributions, including fire department deployments to wildfires and major disasters, as well as training and strike-team participation. He also discussed the tribe’s support for education and local nonprofits. Finally, he explained that the compact amendment modernizes the government-to-government relationship, provides flexibility for future gaming device expansion if warranted, and asked for support of the amendment while offering to answer questions.
Lisa Calderon — The chair is referred to as 'Chairwoman Rubio' in the transcript, which appears to be a mistaken reference; no direct member mention is clearly attributable here.
Chairman Garubi — Introduced as the next remote witness from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Chairman Gruby / Jeff Gruby — Chairman Jeff Gruby of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is brought online and introduces himself, beginning his remarks on the compact amendment.
Jeff Gruby — Introduced himself as chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and described the tribe's location and reservation.
Sean Lewis — Sean Lewis of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is introduced as the Vice Chairman and then begins his testimony by identifying himself and stating his role in support of the compact.
Sean Lewis, Vice Chairman, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe — Sean Lewis, Vice Chairman of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, continues and concludes his testimony on the tribe’s relationship with California under the 2004 gaming compact and the need for a new compact. He explains that the tribe remains committed to protecting its lands, culture, and future generations, and frames the compact as more than an economic issue—it is an opportunity to support the health, education, and long-term future of Mojave people.
Don Rao, San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor — Identified as speaking in support, noting that his territory includes Fort Mojave tribal lands.
Diane Kamalani, Chairperson, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California — Identified as the chairperson who will testify on the Fifth Amendment to the tribal-state compact.
Deanne Kamalani, Chairperson, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians — Introduces herself and describes the tribe's location and history of termination.
Chairperson of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians — Asked the committee to vote to pass the Fifth Amendment and described gaming as supporting tribal self-reliance and sovereignty.
Jesse Arreguín — Assemblymember Jesse Arreguín thanked the Chairwoman for her presentation and the information provided, noted that the tribe’s work and investments—despite being outside his district—have had a positive impact on the broader region, including Fresno, and commended those efforts. He then emphasized that the extension is very important, expressed strong support, and said he looked forward to seeing it come to the floor, referencing a prior extension passed last year.
Chairwoman of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians — Was thanked for her presentation and information provided to the committee.
Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez — Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez continued his testimony on the amended compact, emphasizing its economic benefits, annual compensation, partnership commitment, and support for non-gaming tribes, then concluded by thanking the committee and asking for support for AB 1579.
Marie Alvarado-Gil — Recognized by the speaker as 'Assemblymember Alvarado-Gil.'
Marie Alvarado-Gil — Earlier recognition of the member is carried over in the discussion context, though not repeated here.
Don Roe — Don Roe, speaking on behalf of San Bernardino County, introduced himself and began his testimony in support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation tribal-state compact amendment, identifying his role and connection to the area.
Louis Sanchez — Spoke on behalf of the City of San Bernardino in strong support.
Carl DeMaio — Carl DeMaio thanks Vice Chair Hernandez and speaks in support of the reservation/compact, noting his personal familiarity with the area and long-standing advocacy. He recalls having voted on the compact in 1998 and says he will continue working as a legislator to support the effort and the work that has been done over many years.
Chairman Kenneth Kahn — Introduced as a witness who will testify on the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians compact amendment.
Mr. Lee — Begins the staff presentation on the compact amendment.
Mr. Lee — Mr. Lee is asked to provide updates on the compact.
Mr. Lee — The chair thanks Mr. Lee for concise and complete testimony.
Susan Rubio — Chair Rubio is addressed as the committee chair.
Maggy Krell — Senator Maggy Krell repeatedly references Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón as the author of SB 542, thanks her for her work, and asks for support on the Senate floor. The closing line appears to be a garbled thank-you, but it does not introduce a new topic.
SB542 — Senate Bill 542 is introduced and discussed as the bill to ratify the 2026 tribal-state gaming compact amendment. The discussion continues with repeated references to SB 542 as the measure advancing the compact amendment, and it concludes with a request for support and an aye vote on the bill.
Chairman Joseph James — Chairman Joseph James was expected to join remotely for the Urok tribe, but technical problems prevented him from participating fully. He was initially noted as being on the line, and shortly afterward he apologized and explained that the reservation had lost power, forcing him to stop.
Sarah Dutchie — Sarah Dutchie, outside legal counsel for the tribe, steps in on behalf of Chairman James after a power outage on the reservation and thanks the committee for holding the informational hearing.
AB1579 — Identified as one of the ratification bills for the seven compacts.
AB1579 — AB 1579 is introduced in connection with a compact amendment, and the speaker asks for support for the bill when it reaches the Assembly floor. The discussion continues with remarks about the bill’s benefits, including support for limited and non-gaming tribes through the revenue sharing trust fund and positive impacts for California communities, followed by another direct request for support for AB 1579.
Avelino Valencia — Named as the author associated with AB 1579.
AB2173 — Identified as one of the ratification bills for the seven compacts.
Greg Wallis — Named as the author associated with AB 2173.
SB542 — Identified as one of the ratification bills for the seven compacts.
Monique Limón — Named as the author associated with SB 542.
Blanca Rubio — Blanca Rubio, as chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization, opened the informational hearing, welcomed attendees, and was later referenced as the author of SB 1235 and addressed by a witness as Chairwoman Rubio.