(a) There is in state government the Tribal Nation Grant Fund Program whereby the panel is authorized to award grants from available moneys within the fund and make other distributions from the fund to eligible tribes as set forth in this article.

(b) A request for a grant shall be made by submitting an application to the commission on a form approved by the panel and provided by the commission. Unless prohibited by a tribal-state gaming compact or the panel, an eligible tribe may apply for more than one grant, but shall submit a separate application for each grant proposal. Two or more eligible tribes may apply for one grant by submitting a joint application.

(c) A grant shall be used to fund a specifically described purpose or project generally relating to self-governance, developing a self-determined community, and economic development in the application. Eligible purposes or projects may include, but are not limited to, development of curricula in a tribal language or culture, housing, support for compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, vocational training, community development, investments in tribal schools and colleges, support of tribal government institutions and tribal courts, nongaming economic diversification, or investment in public health, information technology, renewable energy, water conservation, cultural preservation or awareness, educational programs, or scholarships.

(d) A grant shall not be used to pay a per capita distribution to tribal members or an investment in a purpose or project related to any gaming operation or activity.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 801, Sec. 4. (AB 880) Effective January 1, 2019.)