Gaming; trust fund; technical correction
The amendment delineates clear administrative responsibilities for the Department of Gaming, assigning it the role of trustee for the trust fund. It mandates that the state treasurer must accept and manage these trust fund monies separately, ensuring they are only invested under specific guidelines. This administrative structure aims to protect tribal trust funds from being co-mingled with other state funds, enhancing the financial governance of tribal economic assistance.
SB1721, introduced by Senator Gonzales, amends section 5-605 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on the governance and operations of the 2021 Compact Trust Fund. This fund is established to mitigate the impacts of gaming on Indian tribes and to provide economic benefits to those tribes that are recognized under the 2021 gaming compact, including tribes that do not engage in gaming. The trust fund will gather contributions from Indian tribes as indicated in the compact amendments, ensuring that these funds are managed appropriately for their intended purposes.
One notable point of contention that may arise from this bill is the potential debate around the distribution and qualification criteria for beneficiaries of the trust fund. The bill restricts trust fund disbursements to federally recognized tribes that have entered into the 2021 gaming compact, which could lead to discussions about the inclusivity of this fund and whether it adequately addresses the needs of all affected Indian tribes. Critics may argue it is necessary to reevaluate how benefits are disseminated amongst tribes engaged in and outside of gaming.