Ninth Circuit Rules Against Apache in Dispute Over Sacred “Oak Flat” Site

On March 1, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit sided with a lower court decision denying an Apache interest group’s motion for a preliminary injunction against the transfer of copper-rich federal land to private company Resolution Copper.

Oak Flat, a piece of land that the Ninth Circuit acknowledges is “a site of great spiritual value to the Western Apache Indians,” has been at the center of the dispute largely due to the significant copper ore deposits it sits on. Through the Land Transfer Act, Congress directed the federal government to transfer the land to Resolution Copper, which would then mine the ore. Apache Stronghold sued the government, seeking an injunction against the land transfer on the ground that the transfer would violate its members’ rights under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”), and an 1852 treaty between the United States and the Apaches. The Ninth Circuit disagreed, holding that Apache Stronghold was unlikely to succeed on the merits on any of its three claims before the court.

First, the Ninth Circuit found that under the Supreme Court’s controlling decision in Lyng. There, the Supreme Court held that while the government’s actions with respect to “publicly owned land” would “interfere significantly with private persons’ ability to pursue spiritual fulfillment according to their religious beliefs,” it would also have no “tendency to coerce” them “into acting contrary to their religious beliefs.” The Ninth Circuit also found that the transfer of Oak Flat for mining operations did not discriminate against nor penalize Apache Stronghold’s members, nor deny them an “equal share of the rights, benefits, and privileges enjoyed by other citizens.”

Second, Apache Stronghold’s claim that the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper would violate RFRA failed for the same reasons because “what counts as ‘substantially burden[ing] a person’s exercise of religion’ must be understood as subsuming, rather than abrogating, the holding of Lyng.”

Finally, the court ruled that Apache Stronghold’s claim that the transfer of Oak Flat would violate an enforceable trust obligation created by the 1852 Treaty of Sante Fe because the government’s statutory obligation to transfer Oak Flat abrogated any treaty obligation.

The case demonstrates the difficulty Tribes have in stopping major development projects on federal land on religious grounds.

The Texas Legislature Takes a “Texas Two Step” Approach to Indian Gaming

With new legislation introduced in Texas, it is an appropriate time to examine whether the Texas State Legislature is trying to do something for Indian Gaming or to Indian Gaming. The only certainty is that something is likely to happen! And, like the Texas Two Step, the legislative casino dance changes at the whim of the “leader” – which in this case is the Texas Legislature.

The overriding question is: What is happening here, and why?

For starters, it is important to understand two things: (1) the state’s three federally recognized Indian tribes do not share equal legal status and (2) the Legislature ostensibly has proposed to level the playing field so that all three enjoy an equal gaming opportunity. The three tribes are (1) the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians in Eagle Pass, which is 143 miles southwest of San Antonio on the Rio Grande River and far from the Gulf Coast, (2) the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe – also known as the Texas Tigua Tribe, located near El Paso and far from the Gulf Coast, and (3) the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Livingston, 74 miles north of Houston and 76 miles northwest of Beaumont, and clearly much closer to the Gulf Coast and the hundreds of thousands of tourists annually traveling to the Gulf. Each of these tribes was recognized by a special Act of Congress.

Kickapoo was recognized by Congress through the Act of January 8, 1983, a federal law which imposed no restrictions on the Tribe’s right to conduct gaming. The Alabama-Coushatta and Texas Tigua Tribes were recognized through the Act of August 18, 1987, which restricted any tribal gaming to gaming activities that are lawful under Texas state law. The distinction between Kickapoo gaming opportunity and that available to the Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua becomes important under both the Texas state laws and, in turn, the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

It should be noted that the Alabama-Coushatta opened a casino in 2001 on its Livingston reservation that produced monthly revenues of an estimated $1 million for nine months. A federal court shut it down, and the facility has never reopened. Similarly, the Tigua Tribe operated a casino for a while, but it too was closed by court order. Since then, the Tigua gaming operation has been limited to a “sweepstakes” that the Tribe claims is legal under state law. In the meantime, the Kickapoo Tribe has been operating a Class II gaming facility on its reservation, but the State has refused to negotiate a Class III gaming compact.

The two “have not” tribes are the subject of state legislation that would remedy the situation. This would be accomplished by a bill introduced on March 12 by state representatives for districts in Houston and El Paso purporting to put all three Texas tribes on an equal footing. Indeed, the legislation has been touted in the press as “recognizing the gaming rights of all tribes in Texas.” It would do this by removing the restrictions of the 1987 federal law by extending the same rights to the two tribes recognized by that legislation to the level of rights enjoyed by the Kickapoo under the 1983 federal law. The bill sponsors’ stated intent is to amend the Texas Constitution to allow the Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua to engage in gaming on their tribal lands, and thus putting them on the same footing as the Kickapoo.

Within 24 hours of the introduction of the March 12 legislation, State Representative Joe Deshotel of Beaumont proposed to severely mitigate the pro-tribal benefits from the day-old legislation. The Beaumont politician introduced legislation proposing to authorize nine non-tribal “Las Vegas style” casinos to be located in counties on the Texas Gulf Coast. (As the reader will recognize, the sponsor’s hometown just happens to be in one of the counties that just happens to be on the Gulf Coast.)

The ostensible purpose of the new bill is far from the costs incurred by property owners in those designated counties during violent storms, such as hurricanes. However, its actual effect would be devastating to an Alabama-Coushatta gaming facility located far from the tourism mecca of the Gulf Coast. It is true that the Tigua and Kickapoo would benefit, but they almost certainly would lose destination casino traffic in light of the competing opportunity on the Gulf Coast.

The March 12 legislation looks great on paper. However, it looks much less so in light of the March 13 legislation. Moreover, current activity in the Legislature is even more troubling for tribal gaming. What initially seemed to be a fairly simple resolution is more complicated by recent statements by Texas legislators from Laredo, Houston, and Eagle Pass, as well as statements from anti-gaming lobbyists claiming a “clear majority” of lawmakers opposed to any expansion of gaming “even when times are hard.”

By Dennis J. Whittlesey of Dickinson Wright PLLC

© Copyright 2015 Dickinson Wright PLLC

Treasury Department Loosens Up Bonds for Development in Indian Country

An article by Fred Schubkegel of Varnum LLP regarding Development Bonds was recently featured in The National Law Review:

Varnum LLP

The U.S. Treasury Department recently  issued new guidelines for reallocating approximately $1.8 billion remaining in Tribal Economic Development (TED)bonds. In an effort to spur job creation and promote economic growth in Indian country, the new guidelines are more flexible and broaden the scope of activities that qualify for investment.

Originally established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009, TED bonds gave Indian tribal governments the authority to issue up to $2 billion in tax exempt bonds.  TED bonds can be used for a number of projects, including entertainment venues, energy plants, and hotels. Previously, bonds could be issued only for government buildings. No portion of the proposed bonds may be used for gaming purposes.

The maximum allocation for each individual tribe is 20% of the remaining $1.8 billion balance, or about $360 million. Under the original guidelines, the maximum allocation was limited to $30 million per tribe.  When the authority reaches a $500 million balance, the percentage will no longer apply and the allocation cap will reduce to a maximum of $100 million per tribe.

The most significant change in the guidelines is the emphasis placed on having the project ready to develop and a financing plan in place before applying.  Tribes will have just 180 days to issue the propose bonds after receiving an allocation or risk forfeiting the allocation entirely.

© 2012 Varnum LLP

The 16th Annual National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield

The National Law Review is pleased to inform you of the 16th Annual National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield:

ABA Gaming Law 2012

Gaming Law Minefield 2012

Event Information

When

February 23 – 24, 2012

Where

  • Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
  • 2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy
  • Las Vegas, NV, 89101
  • United States of America

Program Description

The Gaming Law Minefield National Institute is one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable
educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

  • The program will discuss revolutionary legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming.
  • Two hours of ethics credit will be available.
  • Learn about global anti-corruption initiatives, Internet gaming, and the challenges faced
    by commercial and Native American gaming.
  • Gain knowledge on the latest techniques to cope with problem gamblers.

Who should attend:

Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will gain invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities, and obstacles in the gaming industry.


The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here:

The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here:

The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here:

The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here:

The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here:

The 15th Annual ABA National Institute on the Gaming Law Minefield Feb 24-25 LasVegas

The 2011 Gaming Law Minefield program is specifically designed to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of the cutting-edge legal, regulatory, and ethical issues confronting both commercial and Native American gaming. Attorneys, compliance officers, Native American leaders, regulators, and legislators will all provide invaluable insights into current trends, opportunities and obstacles in the gaming industry. The program’s subject matter includes new gaming technology, increased IRS CTR and SAR compliance audit activity, Internet gaming, Native American gaming, breaking hot topics in the gaming industry, latest developments in dealing with problem gamblers, and a two-hour CLE-certified ethics program.

The Gaming Law Minefield program constitutes one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-law gaming programs available. Program attendees have consistently rated the program as a valuable educational experience that provides participants with the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of gaming law experts and leading state and Native American regulators.

Early Bird Registration ends January 24th. For More Information:  Click Here: