S.D. tribes oppose measure

Brad Perriello

Tuesday, March 1, 2005 | 9 a.m.

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Legislature should have the last word on gambling compacts between American Indian tribes and the state, legislators decided Monday.

Sebate Bill 210, sent 8-3 to the full House by the State Affairs Committee, would give the Legislature final approval of agreements negotiated between tribes and the state.

"That is a public issue and deserves legislative review," said Rep. Charles Turbiville, R-Deadwood, a prime sponsor of the measure.

Sen. Dave Knudson, R-Sioux Falls, the prime Senate sponsor, said he opposes any expansion of gambling in the state, including Indian casinos.

"They're all aimed at expanding gambling," Knudson said of the state-tribal compacts.

However, opponents said the current system works well.

The process involves comprehensive negotiations between governors and tribal officials, they said.

"If the system isn't broke, it doesn't need to be fixed," said Harry Christianson of South Dakota Gaming, Inc.

Hedi Bogda-Cleveland of the state Tribal Government Relations Office said SB210 goes beyond provisions of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and might violate federal law.

"It is an affront to Indian tribes," Bogda-Cleveland said. "It will only hinder the process."

Steve Emery, representing the Rosebud and Standing Rock Sioux tribes, said the bill would be a setback to improved relations between the state's nine tribes and Gov. Mike Rounds' office.

"I'd like all of you to leave Indian gaming alone," Emery told the committee.