Legislation that would essentially undo the deal for an Indian casino in San Pablo passed out of the Indian Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate this morning.

The bill, from Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-SF), would force the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians to follow the same federal rules as other landless tribes-- rules they were given a way around in 2001 thanks to legislation amended by Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez).

The original Lytton deal was dead on arrival in the Legislature last year, and the tribe has since said it intends to operate a lower-level gambling operation that does not require the consent of state lawmakers.

However, that smaller operation might still run afoul of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). And Feinstein's bill requires that the Lyttons fully comply with IGRA, which could mean a whole new round of approvals are required for any changes to the San Pablo facility.

"I believe that the Lytton tribe should have to go through the same process under federal law that all other tribes must go through," said Feinstein, in a prepared statement sent to reporters.