Tribal Nation Grant Fund.

Assembly Member Ramos's proposal restructures California's Tribal Nation Grant Fund to establish two distinct funding streams for nongaming and limited-gaming tribes, while expanding the fund's revenue sources to include proceeds from class III gaming secretarial procedures alongside existing tribal-state gaming compact revenues.

The legislation creates a dual grant system, mandating that at least 85% of available funds, or $600,000 per eligible tribe (whichever is greater), be distributed as equal shares grants paid quarterly. The remaining funds may be awarded as specific distribution grants for targeted projects related to self-governance, community development, or economic diversification. Eligible projects under specific distribution grants include tribal language curricula, housing initiatives, Indian Child Welfare Act compliance, vocational training, and investments in tribal institutions.

The bill modifies administrative requirements by eliminating deadlines for grant expenditure and removing the obligation to return unused funds. While maintaining prohibitions on using grants for per capita distributions or gaming operations, it streamlines the application process through separate forms for each grant type and allows automatic renewal of equal shares grants. The California Gambling Control Commission continues to administer the fund, with the Bureau of Gambling Control conducting all grant audits. Administrative costs are funded through the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund rather than grant monies.