Shannon Wheeler, a member of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, the governing body of the Nez Perce Tribe, told the House State Affairs Committee, “The Nez Perce Tribe respectfully requests that this bill not be passed out of committee.” He said HB 127 alters language that was carefully negotiated and approved by Idaho voters in 2002.

“Tribal gaming does not operate in a vacuum,” Wheeler said. “It is the most heavily regulated gaming in the United States. Tribal gaming in Idaho is regulated through the National Indian Gaming Commission, the state through the Idaho Lottery, and each independent tribe’s own gaming commission.” He said changing the wording of that section of law won’t provide more regulation, “but it will provide an outlet for individuals to file frivolous lawsuits against tribes.”

Wheeler said the Nez Perce Tribe’s gaming is government gaming – not like private casino businesses in places like Atlantic City. Regulations govern where proceeds go, including to fund governmental operations and support schools. He also said the Nez Perce Tribe supported formation of the Idaho Indian Affairs Council, which includes tribal leaders, lawmakers and state officials. “The tribe is disappointed to be testifying on a bill like this today,” he said. “This issue has not been discussed in that forum. Instead of working together cooperatively, it feels like tribes are having to hustle to respond to a bill after it has been printed rather than before it reaches the committee. We shouldn’t have to defend our economic growth.”