Sacramento, CA (May 30, 2026) — Governor Gavin Newsom has approved Assembly Bill 1389, an urgency measure that ratifies the second amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact between California and the Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-), was signed and filed with the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026, taking immediate effect.
The amendment, executed on December 18, 2025, extends the existing compact through December 31, 2026, without altering substantive terms such as the number of gaming devices or revenue-sharing provisions. The Yurok Tribe operates the Redwood Hotel & Casino in Klamath, California, along scenic Highway 101 in the heart of redwood country. The facility features a limited number of slot machines (up to 99 under the compact) alongside a Holiday Inn Express hotel, restaurant, and amenities serving as a base for visitors to Redwood National and State Parks.
Economic Importance for the Tribe
Tribal leaders and supporters emphasized the extension’s role in supporting economic development, stability, and self-sufficiency for the Yurok Tribe, California’s largest Native American tribe by enrollment. Revenue from the casino funds essential government services, health programs, education, and community initiatives for tribal members.
During legislative hearings, representatives highlighted that the short-term extension provides time for negotiations on a longer-term compact while maintaining current operations. Joe James, speaking on behalf of the tribe, participated in an informational hearing before the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization.
CEQA Exemptions and Tribal Sovereignty
A key provision of AB 1389 states that, in deference to tribal sovereignty, certain actions related to the amended compact are not considered “projects” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This includes the execution of the amendment itself, related intergovernmental agreements with local governments or state agencies like Caltrans, and on-reservation impacts of compliance.
The bill explicitly notes that this exemption does not extend to cities, counties, or state agencies for their own actions outside the compact’s direct scope. The urgency clause cited the need for immediate effect to protect tribal economic interests and surrounding communities.
Background on Yurok Gaming
The Yurok Tribe’s gaming operations stem from a 2006 compact under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Previous amendments, including one in the mid-2010s, have supported the Redwood Hotel & Casino’s development as part of broader economic and community planning in the Klamath area. The tribe has faced challenges including high poverty and unemployment rates historically, with gaming viewed as a tool for self-determination.
Public discussion on Reddit and Facebook around Yurok gaming remains limited and mostly general, focusing on broader Native American casino operations, land issues, or cultural preservation rather than this specific bill. Some community posts celebrate tribal economic progress or discuss tourism benefits in Yurok Country.
Assemblymember Rubio’s office and tribal representatives framed the bill as a straightforward, non-controversial measure to bridge negotiations. It passed with the required two-thirds urgency vote.
The move aligns with California’s approach to dozens of tribal gaming compacts, which generate significant revenue while respecting tribal sovereignty. The Yurok extension buys time amid ongoing statewide discussions on gaming frameworks.
For more details, the full text of AB 1389 is available on the California Legislative Information website. The Redwood Hotel & Casino continues operations as a visitor destination in Northern California’s coastal redwoods.
