AB 221, Tribal Nation Grant Fund

• AB 221 is sponsored by the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
• The bill streamlines the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund (TNGF) process to provide annual equal distribution grants, upon application, to all federal recognized tribes that either have no gaming (“nongaming”) or operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices (“limited gaming”). 
• Under AB 221, eligible nongaming and limited gaming tribes who apply would receive annual equal grants of $600,000, or at least 85% of the available moneys in the fund, whichever is greater, for…
• These equal grants would be distributed on a quarterly basis and are projected to increase revenue sharing payments to eligible tribal governments by $600,000, or nearly 55%.
• The TNGF was established for the receipt and deposit of moneys received by the state from Indian tribes pursuant to the terms of tribal-state gaming compacts. 
• The TNGF consists solely of monies paid for by federally recognized Indian tribes for the benefit of eligible federally recognized nongaming and limited gaming tribes. Under state law, the TNGF’s funds must be used exclusively for tribal purposes.
• A consistent equal distribution grant from the TNGF would help stabilize funding for eligible tribal governments.
• From 2000 through the fourth quarter of 2024, gaming tribes have contributed more than $1.8 billion in RSTF payments to eligible nongaming and limited gaming tribes, pursuant to tribal-state compacts. 
• For FY 2024-25, an estimated 72 Tribes will be eligible for RSTF distributions, totaling approximately $79.2 million.

ACTION NEEDED: 

If you haven’t already, please submit your updated letters of support for AB 221 to the Senate Appropriations Committee no later than Friday, July 11th. For your convenience, you may utilize the sample letter below.

In an effort to make the process as easy as possible we have included the link to send your support letter via the California Advocate Portal .

You can also complete this form and TASIN will submit a support letter on your behalf.