HJR120 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Governor urged to enter into good faith negotiations with Poarch Band of Creek Indians to develop a Tribal-State Compact concerning Class III gaming

Summary

A nonbinding House joint resolution urging the Governor to negotiate a Tribal-State Compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to establish Class III gaming in Alabama and share revenue with the state.

What This Bill Does

The resolution directs the Governor to comply with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and enter into good faith negotiations with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to develop a Tribal-State Compact for Class III gaming in Alabama. It argues the compact would generate revenue for Alabama's General Fund and help regulate Class III gaming in the state. It recognizes the Poarch Band as a federally recognized sovereign and notes that income from Class III gaming would go to the tribe under federal law. It does not itself authorize gaming or change existing Alabama law, but signals legislative support and a required action by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Poarch Band of Creek Indians – potential to conduct Class III gaming in Alabama under a Tribal-State Compact; income would be used for the tribe's welfare under federal law.
• State of Alabama / State General Fund – potential revenue from Indian gaming through the compact and influence on how Class III gaming is regulated in the state.

Key Provisions

• Urges the Governor to comply with IGRA and enter good faith negotiations with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to develop a Tribal-State Compact for Class III gaming in Alabama.
• Affirms Poarch Band of Creek Indians as the state's federally recognized sovereign nation and that gaming on tribal land is subject to federal law rather than Alabama law.
• States that a Tribal-State Compact would generate revenue for the State General Fund and help regulate the proliferation of Class III gaming within Alabama.
• Notes that income from Class III gaming by the Poarch Band would be used for the benefit and welfare of the Indian tribe under federal law.
• Declares that this resolution does not create new law but directs the Governor to pursue negotiations in good faith.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative