I Irlusc Rrsourcc Cornrnirtcc 01 might I Icariny :Ipri I 9. 2008 1 I.R. 5608
Chairman RahaIl and mcrnhers of the Cornmittce: Thank !.ou for alloiving mo [O speak u.ith you toda!. E am Plril EIogcn. Chairman of the Sational Indian Ciaming Commission. I am hero tn ccwirncnt on I I.R. 5608. a bill to establish regular and rncaningf~~l consu Intion anti col laboration wirh tribal otrjcials.
1I.R. 5608 identifies SIGC.t11e tlcpartment of the Interior and rhe Indian t Iralth Senice as agcncics rcquirins an accounrabic consultation process, U-ithout a doubt. the nccd hr tribal consul taion applies ti? man! fcderal apcncics and pmgmrns. and ccrtainl! -and promincntl>.- -t o tkc \tork of'thc Sational Indian Gaming I'ommission (SJCrC').
NIGC' is tjr~n??ctlrnrnittcd tn tlic cnnsulration process. Thrl agency is strong!! opposcd to this hill. ho\xcvcr.
In keeping ixi~hrhc obligation to consult. YICiC' adopted its consulration plic. in cart? 7005 and puhlishct! it in rhc Fcdenl Register. :*r copy is attached. 'I'his polic! nas i tscl f a product 01- the I'cmmission's consultatic~nxvith trihes as it was Ibmulated. In the course of fortnulatin? this policy. SICjC also gathered and esamined tllc con~~lltationpoIicics of othcr fidvml a2cncir.s. and Jiscmscd the utilirl; of those policies with those agcnciss.
Thc qucsricln that thc bill seeks to ans\ver, I believc. is \\hat kind of cnnsultation cc~nstirufesadc'q~iak. accountable consultalion. This hill dots not ansr$-cr that quesiion. and ir ccrt.tr~inl: docs not ansiter thc question as to hot\ the NTGC. a rcgnlatop agency. can 111t'r't f1ict;t' new c~nsultafionresponsibilities n-bile at thc same time ctTcctiv~'1~ fulfilling its stntutnrl. ohIigmions rinder thc Indian Gaming Regulnrt~n:kt. Tn Suc~. it is clur firm bclief'that enactment of this Ecgislation would c~isceratcthe agcnc!'s good faith abilib ro rceuIatc.
IX'c con~in~ieto scck consultation in the most cfficti\.c ways, n-hile ~hcscarc 563 rccogniztxl frihr's in thc I'nited States. only about 2-30 art: cngngcd in Indian gaming. and - so it is rhat group to iv11orn tllc \I(;(' has most afien turned !irt consultation. ?'he great breadth of trihal di~.ersip is rcflectcd in rheir vaping cultures. economies. and goo~nph!.. I*hc.! t-ay from having Iarec land bases to smalI. large tribd mcmhership In small. urban settings 10 rural. Somc arc' found in jurisdictions ~Ilcrcthcru is much non- ttihnl commercial gaming and others n-hcrc gambling opportunEtits arc almost escl usi~.cf! tihnl. 'l'hus. thc Commission quick?! lcarncd thr a position or poticy favored hy rribcs it ith snralI land bascs and memhcrships. locatcd \{.here huge urban populations makc fur grcm market opportunities. lvill nos necessarily be favored h:' tritrtls uith large tribal rncmberst~ipsand large. remote. mraI resenations near ncr large poputaxion ccntcm.
In is nor possible. of course. for the Commission to leisit c'\.eq.tribe on its resenation each time an issuc or policy might afTect triks. Gaming trihcs 'na1.t. fimncd rrzgionnl gaming associarions. such ns the Grear Plains Indian Gaming .Association ((iI'ICi..21. the (1klahoma Indian Gamins Association IOIG.4). thc 'i'r'ashington Indian Iiarning Association I\J.ICi:\). tht C'alifomia Saticms Indian Gaming .\ssociation (C'UIC;;2). thc Midncsr :lIliancr. of So\.creign Tribes (MAST). and rhe Set\ Mexico Indian Gaming :Issociaticln (%l.lICI;Z). among (EI~CTS. 3s \w31 as national organizations siich as National Indian Gaming .'lssociaticln (YIGA). Satinnal C'ongrcss of :\moriean Indians (I"\;r!II)and ITnitcd South and Eastern Tribes (ITSE'f').Those arganizations mcer anntlally or more often- and NICiC' has taken thosc opprrunities to in\.ite tribal luadesship to aatend consultation meetings on a NIGC-ro-indi~,idual-tsibe basis. Consulring at gaming association rncctings masirnixs the use of fhe C'omrnission's timc and minimizes the travcl cspcnstls that tribes. \vho c~rdinariI>.attend thosc meetings anyin:. must cspend Ibr consultation,
I\lan? trihcs :IL'CL'PI thcsc' int.iraticlns. man! do not. Somc rribcs send shcir triblil chair. prcsidcrlt or pcrnor. and rntmbcrt; of thcir tribal cc~uocil. nhilc others scnd rcproscntati vcs of tlreir tribaI gaming commissions. or in some instances staff rncmbcrs of rhc gaming commissions or of' tht tribal gaming q-mations. Ihc consr~ltazionsessions are al~ra>,smost ef'ii.ctivc when rrihal leadership. h!. \\a> of tribal chair or council. is presunx. 'fie 1enc.r~of in~~itntion.snrnplcs of xvhich are attached. identii) issues on ~vhichSTCiC' is currcntlj ii~cusingand ahour which the agency is seeking tribal inpu~.Thc lertcrs always incIudc an inl,ira~ionro discuss an) other topics that might he of panicular intertst to an indi\.idtlal tribc. Snmc tribes haye Iimited their consu!tatinns to n singlc issuc. such as KIGC"s proposals to bcrtcr distinguish gaming equipmcnr pcrmissihlc for uncompactcd Cl:~ssI1 gaming l?r>m that pcrrnittcd for compacted Class III gaming.
R'c cIo no1 onl~make oussclvcs a\.ailahle for numerous consultaric~ns.bu~ \vc also Iistcn seriot~slyto nhar we hear at thosc consultations. The reguialions TICiC' adopts arc published M ith thorough prcnrnbics. ivhich attcmpt to surnrnari~call 01' thc issucs raised in thc gi.rxpcmmtnt-to-go~c'rnrncn~consuItarion scssinns thc Commission has held with trihcs. 3s 1~~11as ~hosc raiscd by all other ctlmmsnter's pro~idingnrittcn comrncnt. durins thc comment pcri~dOR the re~ularion.I hmtt attached the pruan-tbIc ti-om the C'omrnission's rcccntly rtdoptcd facilit!" Iicensc regulation as an examplc.
'I'ht. Yl(iC does not believe irs current consultation practices arc perfect. hut we do hclict\c that the! arc c.ffccti\c. R'c also klicve that consultation lihauld not mean agreement and that thc partics consulting shr~uld not mcasrlrc the good faith nr el%cctii,cncssof thc consultatior! by whether agreement is reached. I'_.uperiencchas shonn rhrit ~thcreis littlc or no clamor for consultation If the action hcing consiilcred is frllvorabl: rccci\'cd thr~~tghc)utthe Indian gaming industry. SICiC's reccnt reduction in the fCes it impow5 on frclss gaming rexvnues to t'i~ndSICrC' operations pro\.idcs such an examp It..
Cln the orhcr hand. if the issue thc agency is considering is vieucd as pmbtcmntic. often rhcrc arc concenrs tsprcssed that consultation has brcn inrtdcquatr.. A fi~rthcrchalicnge lhs NICiC' hr~sohsen-cd is that consultation is most often cririciyed by tribes when tl~c cvcnrurtl polic! that the apenc: settles on is at odds with the position csprcsscd by tribcs during uonsultations. That is. thc NFGt's failure. from the tribal point cri'vic~v.\\as not in the cnnsuftarion per sc hut rathcr hat the Com~nissiondid not agree u-it11 tribal points of i.icu. It dnr.s not sccm fair or just that the only consulratinn deemed adcquatc is thar in which thc C.c~mmissinnal\j.a:s full!. comports ~vithtribal points of vie\!.. SIGC' often finds itst.!f .;\mpntht.tic to tribal points of iviezl, hut if is also hound h? statutop constraints. ['or c\;arnyIc thc Indian Gaming Regulatoy. :let's characterization of a nurnbcr of gnmhling practices as Class I11 rcquires thc sanction of tribat-stale compacts.
t am f'c.artill that if Icgislaxic~nsuch as H.R. 5608 is rnac~ed.ncarl! c\.eq policy adcrptcd hy the NaticrnaI Indian Gaming C'ornmission 1vilE k stlbicct to challenge in court by onc of' thc 2?0 gaming tribes on he basis that thc regulation \\*as not suppond by consultation. 1 at11 also ftarfid that the Commission's mission of pro\,idinr?, rllc gamins rcpulntit.rn mandatcd in IC;R:Z iviU k o\~mvhcImcdby such litigation.
:Iprohlcm orcftted h! thc pmposed Icgislation is distinguishing "politics thar havc tribal implications" from thoso that do nol. Fn the Ecyislation. thc fonncr arc dcfincd as:
an! rnc.:isurc. F? the agenc! shal has or is Iikel: to hnvc a direct et'fcct on one' or nlorc Indian tribes. an the rcIationship bet\\-rcn thc f;=dcr;lE go~.cmnrcntmd Indian rribcs. or on the distribution of powcr and rcspr~nsihiliricsbctu.ecn rile federal goternmen! and Indian rribcs. such as scguiations. Icgislati\t. cclmmenrs or proposed Eegislafion. and othcr polic!' statcmcnts or actions. guidance. clarification. standards. or SCFS of principlcq.
If wouid seem that rhis would leave prccious little far a regulato~,apcnc? such as thc XIGC lo do iiifhout first engaging in c~nsultation,Determining the cvtent of the consulx3tic\n thar \\uuId bc adequate likely nauld be psnhlcmatic too.
An csarnplc of this \xouId bc rhc agency's position on this legislalion. '[he Office af Managerncnt rind Rudget coordinates the t.ic.xvs of the federr! famil! on legisln~ionthat irnpacrs 111~.adminisrnrion. On \farch 35. 1008. OhlB asked thc YIGC to provide its views un I I.R. 5hOR u,ithin rht rcmaindcs of that we&. liecdlcss to sa!.. if I1.R. 5608 M.CW the I~Mot'fhc land. doing SO \i.~~~ldhave been irnpossihlr gixpc-ln the rcquirtrnent that consul tat ions must first occur. Qutls~ionsthat the proposed bill also Ecat~esunanswered arc: IFou long \\auld such consultation rake'.' Ilom many trihcs ~!~ouEdhave to he consulted'? VI~crcivould that ct>nsultation best occur? 110%- ~voi~ldthat consultation he best docurncntcd'.'
NL'XI.!kith ~L'SFCL'Itii t11c npplica~ionclfconsuIration requinemcnts. I think ir is appropriate to draw distinctions het\~ccnfcdcral agencies and their funcrions. If n fkderal program will build horncs on Indian lands tilr Indian peoylc. certain!: cstcnsivc consultation ought to occur ~vithrespect to thc irnplcmentntir'rn of such meri~oriout;proyarns. Thar fcderal activity. hrn~c\*er,I belicle. can hc quatitatively distinguisl~cdtkom the regulation or ortrsight tl~nr:In agcnc!. such as the Yatinnal Indian Ciaming Commission is mandated to proridc. M'hile IIIC fnll(~ning o?;ample is perhaps aotl stark, it may haye somc application here. ?'a require that befort thc haskcthnll refurw calls a foul or charges a plnyet nith *'rra\.cling." ir \vouId proh:lbly hc impractical and of qucstionahlc fairness if on cach clccasion hc or shc lind icl tirsr hcar thc point oC\-icw oi'thc playcr on u-horn the ihul or thc traveling was c:~iIccl. and of cnursc. in fairness. PO huar from thc opposition. and tl~cnthe coaclles of both tcams. .I5 thc rules of lt~cgame a~r'n~itten. those r$-ho participate ought to be invircd to rhr: rabllt 11, discuss thcrn. Howe\,er. in thc application of rhosc rules. cnnsuItation is inapprclpriatc :lnd cenain1~impncticabIe. and T am conccmed thar similar cnnsrrninrs on rcgularoq a~cncics.Iihich might he imposed h~ I I.R. 5608. ought to be a\.oidtd. Thr. dctinition thund in section 34). *'Por,rr'~~srH:zT tl %i'E TRln:Xl. I~?PI,~~:\T~O\S."uould rcyuin: clnrit~and netd to clearly distinguish the adjudicaxit,c frinctions oi' rc_gulator~ ngencics from thc nllernnking the! condtics.
Sirnilarl!. scctio~l6. addressing un f~~ndcdmandates. would pose great chnl lcnges to rhosc &firs ~t~akcn~lcs rhaz sclatc to cemmescinl enterprises. such as tribal bingo halls and casinos. I!' thc Satinnal Indian Gaming Commission im~oscda regulntion [hat required sunciIlancc camtrus to be placed oz-cr thc cnuntcr of ~ht.cashiers rhat count tht. monq at thc gaming fncili?. undcr an cnactcd H.R. 5608. n trihc might argue lhat such tiun-cil lancc ctlrild nut bc SO rtquir~d.unless the federal go\ ernment paid for tllc catncraq. T'irs~.YIGC does not usc federal taxpayers' dollars. Instcad. thc agency's activities art. supported h!. fccs on tht. tribes: as s result. requiring fc-dcral payment of a regulator?. cost dcws not norl, in the contest of NICiC's budgcrap status. I-urthcmnre. it is not opprt~priarcwirh respect PO regularoq' requirements for cutnmercial acti\.ities such as gaming. nhich ihr SIGC hclps rcgulate under 1C;R:Z.
Finall: . adrninistmr i~ c agencics arc peculiar in that the! cscrcisc quasi-cxccurii,e. quasi- lcgislnrivc ( rulcmaking I and quasi-j udicial (adiudicarion) funcrions. Rcduccd to csscnrials, nrlcmaking is the adoption of regulations that ha1.c the tbrce and effect of la^. a4,judication is thc appiicntion and further interpretation (-~fthose rulee in particular rases in dispure. !-'air J)I%)CL'SS is required for each of rhe prrsccsscs. hut nowhcrt. in the .,Zdrninistm;lai\r Procedure :Zcr. lvhich is a rcrnarkablc and proven hod? of law hy which our Scdcml 201-cmmcnr has succc.ssful1~opcrarcd for over 40 years. are thcrc an: constraints similar to thr>sc i~hjchwould hc impcsscd b!. H.R. .5608.
TI1c.r~is a hislo? to thc devcloprnenr of consultation. That rht. I'nitsd States has tn~st obligations to tndian ~rihcsis sccognixcd esplicitl in many tsua~ies.Whicf .lusticc hhn Marshall. in his famous trilog) ol' opinions n~ittcnin thc 1833s. charactcriycd the rclationship gcnr.~i11!. as that oS a guardian and ward. M'hilc thc l'nitcd Status is not a common Ian Inistee. rhc federal-tribal relationship is in fact a go~rcmment-to-govcmmcnt rularionship. and as thc 1-nited Sratcs fulllEIs its mlc in tha? rclationship. ir nccds to hear its obligations in mind. 'Yhs ~nrIdhas changed much since Chicf Justice kk~rshall'stimc. and nor rhu Icnsr of' ~hcsechanges is thc posifivc rnorcrnent h! tribes toward self- determination and sclf'sufficirncy. In rcccnt dccadcs. federal Indian policy has foiircrcd rhnr evolution. 'Shc I'nircd Stxcs. of cou~c.needs to cansidcr tllc nceds and dcsircs of trihcs. and ns trihc5 attain grcarcr political and economic st:rbilir?. the prcarcr rhe dcfcrenct. the I'nircd States oughl 10 :~ffnrdtheir esprcssit>ns(sf need and desire. If'hax this moans. of count.. Is th31 the fcdcraI grncrnmenl ought 10 consult lvith tribes as it Sorniulafes and esccutcs policics ~lrarimpact those trihes.
President Rusl~rcitcrated the :Idministratian's adhewncc 10 it g~~vcmmcnt-tD-~nvcrnment rclatinnship in his Mcmomndum f'or tho Heads of' E:.xccutivcDepartment and :lgcncics in Scprcmhcr 7001. E.0. 1 ? 1 75 dirccts federal agcncits 10 conduct meaningful .-~c~~pcmment-to-g~~~~emmc'nt consultation l~ithtribes u.!~cnpolicics that aff'cx them arc fhrmulatcd. Challenges to such policies cannot legall? be founded on pcrccivcd nr allagcd shorrcorninps of the consultation pruccss attending diose policies. This Iegisiatiun. l~cnvei.cr. ivould require a dcgrec of collahoraticln \!.it11 thc rcgt~latcd cornmunit> (Indian gaming tribes, that is wholly incnnsistcnt u.ith a mbtist and health? rcgularc)~mission such ns 'iIGd"s.
'1'h:tnk !.ou 1i)r tl~cr~ppantlni~ to prcscnt the commission's vicu on t t.R. 5608. B'r. stand ~3dy1~1 ans~t'r an! qucsdons. Government to Government Policy
National Indian Gaming Commission Governmen t-to-Governmen t Tribal
Consultation Policy - published in the federal register March 24,2004
The National Indian Gaming Commission ('WlGC" or "Commission"), in consultation with Federally-recognized Indian tribes. establishes and issues this
Govemment-to-Government Tribal Consultation Pol icy. which shall take effect immediately and remain in effect until further order of the Commission.
I. Introduction
A. Fzrndomenral Principi~s~ffkle Gover~amenf-to-C;nverp~ment Relationship
I. The United States of America has a unique government-to-government relationship with Federally-recognized Indian tribes, as set forth and defined in the Constitution of the
United States and Federal treaties. statutes. Executive Orders, and Federal court decisions. Since its formation. the United States has recognized Indian tribes as sovereign nations, which possess and exercise inherent sovereign authority over their members and territory to the extent recognized and defined by the Constitution of the United States,
Federal treaties. statutes. Executive Orders. and Federal court decisions. Pursuant to this unique government-to-government relationship. the Federal Government has enacted numerous statutes and promulgated numerous administrative regulations that establish and define its trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and address issues concerning tribal self-governance. tribal territory and resources. and tribal treaty and other rights.
2. A principal goal oflong-standing Federal Indian policy is to support the federally rccognired sovereignty of Indian tribes by promoting tribal economic development, tribal self-suff~ciency.and strong tribal governance and self-determination over their internal affairs. In 1988, to further this policy and also address congressional concerns regarding the absence of clear Federal standards or regulations for the conduct of Indian gaming,
Congress enacted the lndian Gaming Regulatory Act ("TGRA" or "Act"). 2jCLY. I:. 2701 et st.q.. for three specified purposes:
(a) To provide a statutory basis for the operation of gaming by Indian tribes as a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-suficiency, and strong tribal government:
(b) To provide a statutory basis for the regulation of Indian gaming adequate to shield it from organized crime and other corrupting influences; ensure that tribes are the pritnary beneficiaries of their gaming operations; and assure that the gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both the operator and players; and,
(c) To declare that the establishment of independent Federal regulatory authority and Federal standards for Indian gaming and the establishment of the NlGC are necessary to meet congressional concerns regarding Indian gaining and protect it as a viable ]means of generating tribal governmental revenues and furthering the policies and purposes of
IGRA*
R. Tribal. Federul, S!ac~and Local Rights and Interests Regarding rhe 0persrlic)n and
Replation of Indian Gaming Under IGRA
1. The NTGC was established by IGRA as an independent Federal regulatory agency.
The Act vests the Uommission with certain regulatory powers and responsibilities for
Indian gaming, including broad authority to promulgate such regulations and guide1ines as it deems appropriate to implement the provisions of the Act.
2. IGRA recognizes and provides that the operation of gaming on Indian lands is
primarily a function of tribal sovereignty. Indian gaming is conducted by tribal
governments. who may use the net revenues derived from gaming only to fund tribal
governmental operations ar programs; provide for the general welfare of the tribe and its
members; promote tribal economic development; donate to charitable organizations; and
help fund operations of local government.
3. The regulatory framework established by IGRA for Indian gaming provides
differing. but complementary. regulatory authority and responsibi I ity to Indian tribes. the
NTGC. the Secretary of the Interior. and state governments, dependent upon which of three different statutorily defined classes of tribal gaming activity is conducted. Under
TGRA, Class 1 gaming remains under the exclusive sovereign jurisdiction of Tndian tribes
and is not subject to the Act's other regulatory provisions. Indian tribes also retain primary sovereign regulatory authority and responsihil ity for the day-to-day regulation of
Class I1 and Class 111 Indian gaming operations under IGRA. However, the Act also vests the NIGC with certain independent Federal regulatory powers and responsibilities regarding the regulation of Class I1 and Class I11 gaming activity on Tndian lands. In addition, IGRA also requires that Class 111 Indian gaming activity be conducted in conformance with a Tribal-State compact that is in effect and approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Under IGRA. such Tribal-State Compacts may include negotiated provisions for state participation in the regulation of Class Ill tribal gaming activity conducted on Indian lands within the state.
4. IGRA's statutory system of shared regulatory authority and responsibility for
Tndian gaming will work most effectively to further the Act" declared policies and purposes, when the three involved sovereign governmental authorities work. communicate. and cooperate with each other in a respectful government-to-government manner. Such government-to-governrnen~relationships wi Il make it possible for al I three sovereign governmetlts to mutually resolve their issues and concerns regarding the operation and regulation of Tndian gaming, and efficiently coordinate and assist each other in carrying out their respective regulatory responsibilities for lndian gaming under
IGRA.
5. Accordingly. the N CGC deems it appropriate to issue this Government-to-
Government Tribal Consultation Policy. to promote and enhance the government-to- government relationships, consuftations, and mutual cooperation among Tndian tribes. the
NIGC. other involved Federal departments and agencies, and state and local governments, regarding the operation and regulation of Indian gaming under IGRA. TI. NIGC Policy Making Principles and Guidelines
A. Fundurnen tul Principles
Thc NIGC will adhere to and be guided by the following fundamental principles of
Federal Indian policy, when formulating and implementing Federal regulatory policies, programs, procedures. requirements. resttictions, or standards that may substantially affect or impact the operation or regulation of gaming on Tndian lands by a Federally- recognized tribal government under the provisions of IGRA:
1. The NIGC recognizes and respects the Federally recognized sovereignty of Tndian trihes, which possess and exercise inherent sovereign authority over their members and territory and have certain rights to self-government over their internal governmental affairs under Federal law.
2. Tlie NTGC recognizes and is committed to maintaining a respectful and meaningful government-to-government relationship with Federally-recognized Indian tribes and their authorized governmental leaders, when exercising and discharging its regulatory authority and responsibilities tbr Indian gaming under IGRA.
3. The NTGC acknowledges that Indian tribes retain and exercise primary sovereign authority and responsibility with respect to the day-to-day operation and regulation of gaming on their tribal lands under IGRA, subject to independent Federal regulatory oversight and the conditions. restrictions, and requirements of the Act, Tribal-State
Compact provisions, Federal procedures in lieu of Tribal-State compacts, and NTGC regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act.
4. The NTGC will honor and respect the provisions of Tribal-State Class TIT Gaming
Compacts that are duly approved by the Secretary of the Interior and in effect, or. in the alternative. Federal Class TIT tribal gaming procedures approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, in lieu of a Tribal-State Compact. pursuant to IGRA and Department of Interior regulations.
5. To the extent practicable and permitted by law, the NlGC wi Il engage in regular, timely. and meaningful government-to-government consultation and collaboration with
Federally recognized Indian tribes. when formulating and implementing NlGC administrative regulations. bulletins. or guidelines, or preparing legislative proposals or comments for Congress, which may substantially affect or impact the operation or reglation of gaming on Indian lands by tribes under the provisions of IGRA.
6. The NIGC will encourage Federally-recognized Indian tribes and state and local governments to consult. collaborate and work cooperatively with each other in a respectful, good faith government-to-government manner to mutually address and resolve their respective issues and concerns regarding the operation and regulation of gaming on
Indian lands under IGRA. in furtherance of the policies and purposes of the Act.
7. The NIGC will also work cooperatively with other Federal departments and agencies and with state and local governments to enlist their interest and support to assist the Commission and Tndian tribes in safegarding tribal garn ing from organ ited crime and other corrupting influences; providing adequate law enforcement, fire. and emergency health care services. and environmental protections for the health and safety of the public in tribal gaming facilities; and accomplishing the other goals of TGRA. B. Other Polic)~,Voking principle.^ and Glidelines
To the extent practicable and permitted by law, the NIGC will aIso adhere: to and be guided by the following additional principles and guidelines. when formulating and implementing Federal regulatory policies. programs. procedures, requirements. restrictions. or standards. that may substantially effect or impact the operation or re~gulation.of gaming on Indian lands by a Federally-recognized tribal government(s) under the provisions of IGRA:
1. The NIGC acknowledges and will reasonably consider variations in the nature and scale of tribal gaming activity across lndian country. as well as variations in the extent and quality of tribal gaming regulation and state regulatory involvement under the different Tribal-State Compacts. when determining the need. nature. scope, and application of new or revised Federal regulatory policies. procedures, pro,-rams. requirements. restrictions. or standards for Indian gaming operations under IGRA.
2. The NIGC will also provide technical assistance. advice, guidance. training. and support to help Indian tribes and tribal leaders and employees understand and comply with Federal policies, regulations and standards for Indian gaming.
3. The NIGC will defer to tribally established regulations and standards for lndian gaming, when the Commission determines that they are permitted by IGRA and fufiher its policies and purposes; that they adequately address congressional concerns regarding
Indian gaming; that tribal compliance and enforcement are readily verifiable by the
NTGC; and, that similar Federa! regulations and standards are not statutorily required or necessary to implement the Act. 4. The NTGC will also encourage and provide technical assistance. advice, guidance, and support to Indian tribes and tribal leaders to formulate and implement their own regulatory policies, procedures, requirements. restrictions, and standards for their gaming operations, in lieu of similar Federal regulations and standards. if the Commission determines that the proposed tribal regulations and standards are permitted by TGRA and further its policies and goals; that they will adequately address congressional concerns regarding Indian gaming: that tribal compliance and enforcement will be readily verifiable by the NIGC; and, that similar Federal reglations and standards are not statutorily required or necessary to implement the Act.
5. The NTGC will not formulate and implement Federal regulatory policies. procedures. programs. requirements. restrictions. or standards for Indian gaming that will impose substantial direct compliance or enforcement costs on an lndian tribe(s). if the
Commission determines that such Federal regulations and standards are not required by
IGRA or necessary to implement its provisions or f~lrtheraccomplishment of its policies and purposes.
6. In general, the NTGC will strive to grant Tndian tribes the maximum administrative and regulatory discretion possible in operating and regulating gaming operations on
Indian land under IGRA; and also strive to eliminate unnecessary and redundant Federal regulation. in order to cunserve limited tribal resources. preserve the prerogatives and sovereign authority of tribes over their own internal affairs, and promote strong tribal
.-government and self-determination. in accordance with Federal Indian policy and the goats of IGRA. C. Applicuhili l;rl
The NlGC will be guided by the above policy-making principtes and guidelines in its planning and management activities, including budget development and execution, legislative initiatives and comments. and poIiey and rule making processes.
111. Tribal Consultation Procedures and Guidelines
A. To the fullest extent practicable and permitted by law. the NlGC is committed to regular, timely, and meaningful government-to-government consultation with Indian tribes. whenever it undertakes the fornulation and implementation of new or revised
Federal regulatory policies, procedures, programs. requirements. restrictions. or standards for lndian gaming. either by means of administrative regulation ar legislative initiative. which may substantially affect or impact the operation or regulation of gaming on lndian lands by a tribe(s) under IGM.
B. Based on the government-to-government relationship and in recognition of the sovereignty and unique nature of each Federally-recogn ized Indian tribe. the primary focus of the NTGC's consultation activities will be with individual tribes and their recognized governmental leaders. Consultation with authorized intertribal organizations and representative intertribal advisory committees will be conducted in coordination with and not to the exclusion of consultation with individual tribal governments. When the
NTGC determines that its formulation and implementation of new or revised Federal regdatory policies, procedures, programs, requirements. restrictions, or standards may substantially effect or impact the operation or regulation of gaming on lndian Iands by a tribe(s) under IGRA. the Commission will promptly notify the affected tribes and initiate steps to consult and collaborate directly with the tribe(s) regarding the proposed regulation and its need. formulation, implementation. and related issues and effects.
Tribes may and are encouraged, however, to exercise their sovereign right to request consultation with the NlGC at any time they deem necessary.
C. The Chairman of the NTGC or his or her designee is the principa! point of contact for consultation with Indian tribes regarding all NlGC programs and related policies and policy-making activities of the Commission under IGRA.
D. The NlGC will initiate consuItation by providing early notification to affected tribes of the regulatory policies, procedures. programs, requirements. restrictions, and standards that it is proposing to formulate and implement. before a final agency decision is made regarding their formulation or implementation.
E. The NIGC will strive to provide adequate opportunity for affected tribes to interact directly with the Commission. to discuss and ask questions regarding the substance and effects of proposed Federal regulations and standards and related issues, and to provide meaningful input regarding the legality. need. nature. form. content. scope and application of such proposed regulations, including opportunity to recommend other alternative solutions or approaches. Such consuItation will be conducted with tribes by means of scheduled meetings. telephone conferences. written correspondence. and other appropriate methods of communication, before a final agency decision is made regarding the formulation or implementation of the proposed Federat regulations or standards.
F. As part of the tribal consultation process, the NIGC will answer tribal questions and carefully consider all tribal positions and recommendations. before making its final decision to formulate and implement proposed new or revised Federal regulatory polices, procedures, programs, requirements. restrictions. or standards that may substantially affect or impact the operation or reylation of gaming on lndian lands by affected tribe(s) under TGRA.
G. As an independent Federal regulatory agency, the NIGC has authority and responsibiIities under IGRA to conduct investigations, take enforcement actions, and render regulatory and quasi-judicial decisions regarding the approval of tribal gaming ordinances and third party management contracts. the sui tabi l ity of management contractors to participate in Indian gaming, and tribal compliance with the Act. The nature of these statutory responsibilities necessarily places some limitations on the nature and type of consultation that the Commission may engage in with the involved tribes.
These limitations on consultation are necessary to preserve the integrity of the NTGG's investigations. enforcement actions. and decision-making processes, and also comply with provisions of the Federal Adrn inistrative Procedures Act that limit Commission contact with parties in contested cases. Nevertheless. the NTGC will endeavor. to the extent practicable and permitted by law. to reduce procedural impediments to consulting directly with tribal governments to resolve issues regarding the operation and reguhtion of lndian gaming under t GRA.
H. The NlGC wi 11, to the extent necessary and appropriate, consult with affected tribes to select and establish fairly representative intertribal work groups. task forces, or advisory committees to assist the NIGC and tribes in developing administrative rules or legislative recommendations to address and resolve certain issues of regulatory concern regarding the operation and regulation of Tndian gaming under IGRA.
I. The NIGC will. to the extent it deerns practicable. appropriate, and permitted by law, explore and consider the use of consensual policy making mechanisms. including negotiated rulemaking, when formulating and implementing Federal regulatory policies, procedures. programs. requirements, restrictions, or standards that may substantially effect or impact sovereign tribal rights of self-government regarding the operation or regulation of gaming under TGRA, or relared tribal resources, or tribal treaty or other rights.
IV. Increasing Flexibility for Tribal Waivers of Reguiato~Requirements
A. The NTGC will review the provisions and processes under which Indian tribes ]nay apply for waivers of regulat~ryrequirements under NTGC reg~lations.and take whatever steps it determines appropriate and permitted by law to further streamline tlzose processes, consistent with the policy making principles and guidelines set forth in Part 11 of this policy.
B. This Past only applies to regulatory requirements that are discretionary and subject to waiver by the NIGC.
V. General Limitations
This policy is not intended to nor does it create any right to administrative orjudicial review. or any other right. benefit. trust responsibility, or cause of action, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any party against the United States of America. its departments. agencies or instrumentalities, its officers, or employees, or any other persons or entities.
This policy is not intended to create a forum for resolution of specific disputes or issues that are the sub-ject of litigation between the NIGC and a tribe(s1 nor is it meant to replace presently existing lines of communication. ('nnnic I ,c~vis.C llni~crsnn I3is Snntly Rnnu?rcti:i P.O. Hos 3-77 Auhcrry. (':I03002
<;Dl-ERYSTENT-TO-GOVERN hIF,YT CONSZTI,TATIClN YCdTICR ,\ND REQIJEST
I'urs~iant to nrlr conlrnitmcnt to govemmcnt-to-govcrnmc~~ttribal const~ltation. the Sntinnnl Indian Ciarniny Chmrnission (NICjC') will be in Sacramcntn. I'nhlisrnia. on Fchruary 23-34. l005. ffbr tIrc purpose of mcctins and consulting scpnriltcly with the individual ('at i fcmir;l Tri hcs and their govcn~mentIcaclets. Accordintcl y. 1 atn rcq~lesting a st-piir;~tcgovcmmcn t-to-gc)vcmment consultation mccting n.j th you and 0t11cr Ic;ldcrs of ynrrr Tsik to consult rtlgnrding Indian 2:lrnin~issues. Tltc mcctfny will hc held xt the NITrC"s Region TI officc located at 801 I Street. Suirc 489, in Sacramento.
Eased on our srparatc g~>vemmcnt-to-~.o~~crnmcntrelationship with cnch intl~vidualtribe 2nd in rccoqition of the individual uniq~iencssof each trihc. the C'ornrnission's Tribal Consultatinn Policy- in.hich was oficialIy adoptctI and issued on March 2004, is TimrlarncntaFIy promised upon thc psinciplc of' mccting and consul tins separately and privately ivith cnch individual trihc and its Icadcrs. Mectings can hc schcdnled on Wednes~lny.Pchmnry Zird. bctr\.cen 8:j0 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.: or +Tl~iwday.Fehnlap 24Ih hct~vcen8:70 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ench rnecting will he sche The C'ommissinn's pmposcri revisions of the cuwcnt rule definitions of "EIcctronic or Elcctromochanicnl 1:ncsimile" (25 CFR $ 502.8) and "Other Ciarncs Similar to Bingo" (75 C'FR $ 502.9). which n-ere previously sent to you for cornrncnt and arc posted on the NIGC wcbsitc; The ("nn~misr;iorr's4"' \c7clrkirlz cirnfl OF pi-tq~clsctIC'l;~ss I1 C;;imc ('lnssi ticatinn Stantl:lnls. whfcI1 \vns sent xvitti thi. forcyning yroposcd rcviscd ricfir~it~uns;md posted (lo thc '4I(iC' ~vrhsitc: 'rtic. ("nmmission's latcst ~vorkingrlraft uf ~.rroposcrlC'lnss I1 C;;lrnc rcchnical St;lndnrcis. tvllich is hcing sc+parstcll; scnt to YON tornor~o~vfur srvic~v2nd comrricnt anrl will. hc pos!ctl 011 thc NKiC' ~vcbsitc; 'J'he first and sccand sc,ts of prtipnw(i lhll<*Srcvlsiclns postcrl on thc N1(;C' ~vchsitc::mti * Any other issacs on \vIlich your 'Tribe not~ltllikc to ~011~1111tvith thc ('nnimission To schcdulc yollr ~J'ril,c'sprivatc ~ri~vrrnmcn~-tt~-govcni~ncntconsult;~tiotl mectin? with thc I'ommissirm. plcnso cotnplctc and fax PIC CTICIOSCCI mct'tilig rescnaliotl [ilrnl to Ms. Rita 1Iotn;t ;I! 2o.l-r133-(~Y5as soon as ~rclssihlc. Fl:lch rnceting will he schi-ditlcd on a first comc firsf t;crvcbh;r~is. ~vith prcfcr~ncc yivtn to 'I'ribcs ~r;~\*clinytlic 9rc;llcr tiis2:mce. To K?cilizntt. n!c;~nin!:lill consultidion. ivc cllcc'lunpc you to bring 'I'rit~:~!I'ot!r~cil and Tribal I;nminy i:ntc.qlri sc and Rcylatary C'ornmiss~on members with you 10 yollr 'frihc's cnnstllt:~lirrnrnct.tin;!. Sir~cuthcrt. is linlitcd p;rrking availal~lcat our Kuporl IF t~fficv.I rccomtncntl that ytrll park nt [he Hc>licla! Irlrl I)ownto\vn Sacramcnto Ir'rc;ltcd ;I! 300 J Street for your sr.hci111Ectlrnrcting 'Shc X1C;C"s Kegion officc is locntdl :q~prcruim:rrdy3 hlncks northcast lion^ rl~chotel on I Strcek. ('omrnissior~trsIYcstrirl. ('hc~nc?;ant1 I arc looking fonvard tr, rncstir~g2nd consnltiny with ns mtny ('nliftirn~:~trihcs and their Icadcts as possible dusiny our visit to Sacramento ant! hope yt~uarc nblc 10 schezlrllc a mccrint,! ivith us. The National Indinn Gaming I'nrnrnission (NIGC') tviZ1 bc at thc C'ocur d'r2lcnc Casino IJotcl Resort in Worley. Idaho. for the Afiliarcd Trihcs of Uorth~vcstIndians (?\'I'NI) .4nt1ual I'onTcrc!~cc on Scptcn~hcr19-32. 2005. In addition to attcntling thc confcrcncc, wc also plan tn mcct and consu2t with individual Northwest Tribcs and thcir rovernmcnt Icadcrs. .~tcct~rtlinyly.1 am requesting a scparatc govcmmcnE-to-~{)vtmmcntconsultation rncctiny with yo~iam1 other leadcrs ol'ynur Tribe rcgimfing Indian qrniny issucs. nlc C'nmmission requcsts tc~mcct ant! consult scpamtcly and privately with each indit-idunl Trihc :~nrI its ynvcmmuntal ant1 rc~ulatorygxniny IcnJcrs. hascd on ow scpar:de $o\tcmmcnt-to-Fovemnlt~~trclntinnshjp with cach Triho and in rccogition of the indivitlr~nl uniqueness of cach Trihe. Mccrings can be scheduled on M'cdnesday, Scpt~mhcr21 hct~vccnI :OO p.m. and 6:013 p.m. and 'ntursdny, Scptcrnhcr 22 from 8:30 a.m. to k00 p.m. Fach meeting ~villhc schetlulcd for -30 minutes. Iluriny each meeting the C'nmmission would like to hear and discnss 'Tribal comments. qucstinns. conccrns and rccornmcntiat ions rcyarcling: Tlic C'clrnrnission's propasctl revisions of the ctlnent n~lc dcfinitaons of "Elccrronic or Elcctromcchnnical Facsfmilrr" (25 C'FR 3 502.3) and "Othcr Games Similar lo Ringo" (25 CFR I; 5(17.'3): * ?he C'ommission's most rccent \\forkins draft cl f propnscti Class 11 Gamc C'lassi fication Standards; 'Thc C'omrnissinn's most recent working draft of C'Iass I1 (;me '~CCITIIICAI Standar~is: Tl~c( 't~~t~missiori'smost recent ~lr-clrkingtIr;lfr of ('I:lss 11 ( i;lnirb -Pcchnic;it Stsnd;lrtls: Thr. Third sct of prnposcti 3lIC'S rct.isians T~C'II~I~SCII~ 10 cacll Trit7c fils rcvicm. ;~nticornmcnt; ant1 Anyothcr issr~cs011 xvliich your 'I'ril.7~no~rld like to consult ~vith thc l'r~n~miss~on. -Po schcdu3.c. your Trihc's priwzc go\.cmmc~lt-to-yovcr~1111cr1tco~~sultatior~ ~nc~ting with thc Cornniissio~~,pIc3st' COTII~IC~C rind fax tl~ccnc1osr.d mccling rt.scn.;~tionfnml $0Ms. Rita I lorn:i at 703-h;2-003.5 ;is snnn as pnssihle. Ex11 rnccting ~rslFhc schcdt~lcdor1 3 firs! cclnrc first scn.etI hasis rvifh prcfcrcncc ~iverlto 'l'rihcs trax'clin~the g,r:itcr rlistance. If you hat-c any questions rcgnrriin~tl~c scheduling or constrltat~onproccss. plcast. call Ilk8 01 31s. f4~~nl:i31 2l~2-0-32--00:. ('oti~rnissic>r~cssif'cstrin. C'tloncy and I arc lookiog fonr7;lrti to 1ncr.ti119ant! ct~nsultir~i: trittl n..; m;tt~vNnrtl~~vt~t Trihcs a11d their 1cadr.r~os possible 15 hilt attcnrliny tl~c.+ITS1 Itn~~u;~iI-~IIkrcncc :1ni1 hnl~emu art. nhI c to schcrli~lo;I mcctin~\vitl~ 11s PUTSII;HI~to otlr comniitmrnt to gnvcrnmcnt-to-yovcn1n1~~1ttrih;~l cnrisultn~ion. tllc Nntion;ll 1nrFi:m Cinrniny C'omrnission (XIGC') \\ill hc at the 1 I"' .+qnnu:iI \Vcstmi lntlian Iinming ('onfcrcnce (1i'ICX') nn 1'11csdav.Wtulnusthy and -1hursd:iy. .fnrru:iry 10-1.2. 3100. Ii>r thc purposc of rnccting ;mrE consnlting scpmalcly ~vithintlit.irlux1 Trihcs in I'ali fijrnin and Northern Ucv;~tl;l. Rased on our scparalc gr.r\.cmmcrit-to-govt'rnn~cf~t rcl;ltinr~shipwit11 CX!I 'Prihc end in rccoyition of thc indix itIual ~rniclucncssof c:~cli . + I rihc. rhc ('ommission is rccl~lcstit~gto meet ant1 constblt scprrrntclq. nnct privntcly with u:tch inili\.id[~;ilTribc and its go~~crnrncntaland rcgul;ttnry amins Icatlcrs. In kceping xvill~oitr cori~rnitrncntfo gc>vcn~mcnt-to-gt)vcmmenttribal consultotion, thc Commission 113s rcsu~cdthc Snow C'rcck Ilonrd Koom in the 14'y1clhrlm Palm Springs I lntcF for the purpc~scof rnccting and consul tins itnilIlindividual "Tribes anti tl~uirlcsrlcn. Accortiingly. I am rcrl~lcstinga scparato govenlmcnt-to-govcmmcnt corradtation rncctiny wit11 you and nlhcr Ic;tJcr.~rcyarding Indian gaming issucs. 3lcctitlys call be scl~cdulcdon Tuesday. Jxnunry I 0'hhctwuen 1 :00 p.m. m-~rl6:OCI p.m.. !!'cttncsriay. Jnnunry 1 1 '" bcttvccn 9:00 a.m. nr~dh:Ofl p.m.. anti on 'Fhrirsday. Jnnosry 1 ,71t' hctn.t.cn 2:M) p.m. :in3 6:CK) p.m Each mccfing will hc schcdulcrl Tot 15 rninutcs. During cach rnceting. the Somrnission wouId like to hunr and discuss yorlr cornrncnts. qt~cstions.concerns anti recornmcndotions rcgmding: * The Ctllor:ido Ri1.l.r 111c!i:a1 Tritw (C'RI'T) tour? dccisinn and propnscd nrncndmcnts of IC;KA tn clarify rhc scope of NIGC ovtrsigl~tand authority: 'I hc C'r~mn~issir~n'sprt)pcl.;cd rc\ isitbns (IS thc urlrrcnt n~lc clctinitionq -'fllcctronio or I I11c C'ornrnissicln's most rcccnt ~vorkinytlrnti rrl' prvposcd I'lnss I1 <;amc. C'Iassificntion Stand:& post~~don ~!iciil(;C' t\chsitc. ;IS 111r.y intcrf;loc with t hc Ilcpanmcnt nf .I itst icc's propc>xt.tI Jollnsc~n ;!cl arnentlmcnts: * -1he C'crmmission's mnsr rccent sccond w~rkingdnft ol' ('lass I! (inme 'Tcchnicnl Standards psrcd nn rhc N11it' wchsitc. as they intcrhcc nith the Dcpnrttncnt of Justicc'~prnplscil Johnam Act :~mcntFmcnts: * 'I'hc third and fburth scts of proposctI 3 l IC'S revisions pr;rcd on t hc u I(rC- XVC~~~FIC: C'ommcn ts and discwqivn on SI;IR~:I~I~SEbr cIcvcIoprncnt of unifrwn~fcdcrrll stanrlnrds fc~rlicensing 111' tribal gaming fncilitics h!, -1'ribct;: * Scnntor John XIcVain's proposed hill fo amcnri 1I;R:t's prtn.isions regardins U1C;C' f~~nding(513 1335 1: Rcprescntative Richard Pomho's most rcccnt discussion draft hill (Novcmbcr 1. 2005) to amcnd Section 20 of ICiR,+Z rcparding Indian lands eligible for Tsihnl gaming and proposed RIA rcgulntions for taking land intr-r In!sl Ibt 'Tribes for prrrprxcs of gaming : and: !In!: other issrres on which yur Tr3hu \vc~uld Iikc to consult with thc ('ommission. To sc heciule your Trik's prb-nte government-to-government cc~nsultationmcer in? with the Commission. plcasu complete and fax the encl~~scd~nceting rest.n:titjon form to MS. Rita tlnma at 703-6-32-0045 as soon as pssiblc. I'nch rnctting will he schcdulcd on n first come first scncd hasis with prcfcrcncc given to 'Tribes trnvcling the greater distance. If you have any questions rcgnrding the ~;chedulingor consultz~tictnprocess. please call mu or \Is. I lomn at 202-4 1 8-9803. C'ommissirrnrr ('hone.! ant1 I Ior~k fonvnrt! to mccting and consi~ltingwith 'frihcs ttnd thcir Ic;~dcrsc!uring our visit to I!'l(iC' ;lrrrl hope !.ou arc nl~lctn schcdulc n mccting lsith Ilk. ,' ,' /' The Vaticrnnl Indian (irlrniny Commission (NlIiC' I will hc ;ittcndiny t!ic Yilatic>n:il Indian Ii:iming :\s~rjcintic~n(Yl( iil) YI)IHh Tradc Sho\v :~t~rlC't~rlvcnt ion in :tPbzr~~ucrqt~c.Nciv Vcxicr~.cln :lpsil 3-i. Ofh This is :]Is0 an cxccllcnt c~ppclrttrnity ro c~~nsultuith intli vitlu;il 'Tn11c.s In Kcu C1csic.r) and tlwir g(n+~rnr~it'~ltIC~CICTS. ~?rc.i~rcncc~vill bt. gilcn to New Mcxico 'I'sihcs shat were nut ablc zi) s~licclill~3 cc>nsultntion rncctir~gdurinz thc Souih\\.cst Indian Iirlrning L'rjnfcrcncc in 1:cbrunr-y. In keeping with our ~;t;~tr'dpol icy regarding gov'mn~cnt-to-~~)~~~mmcr~Itribal consul~ntion. the ('ommissinn 1i:is rcscrvctI thc C'uttcr Room in thc LIOII~ICI~CAIbli~lt~ert~~~c F Io~cI f;)r this purpose. :lccostfingly, I am requesting n separatc govcrnmcn t-to-y~~vernmcnt consu1t:ltion mccting ~vithyou and other Icndcrs rcgartiing Indir~ngnnling issues. \,Icctin~sC:ITI bc' sct~r-clulcdon ciihcr Monday. April 3"' bct~vccn;:(It) p.m. 2nd 5:00 p.m., 'TucstI:ly. April -1'' hctu-ccn 10:00 a.m. and :00 p.m.. or Wcdnesd:ly. April '"7ctwccn 1O:llO a.m. and j:00 p rn. Each mccting will kc schedulecI Ibr 35 rninutcq. :It lhcsc mccrinys, tlrc Commission lvoulti like tcl hc.x and cIisutlss your cc~mrncnts.questions. Conccms and r~~c,rnn~cnd:~tt om regarding: 1'~ol~o~t~J;~lncnrlnit'~~ts to I~C 111d HI (iarning Rrgulnlory Act ( t ( ;R !I) as fratnctl in S. 20-5 VcCnin). \~~hjchnddrcss. among other things: I. t'larificntic~nof the scope of the C'urnrnissira's Minirnrlm 1ntcrn;ll C'ontrt~l St:mtl;trJs I tL.ITC*S) authority ovur class Ill gamine; 2. Iispandcd scope ot'"gnrniny-rclntcd contrscts". ~vhich~vollltl hc stth,icct to ~IECI'onll~i issi1111'4 r~~vic~~~ant1 nyprtn-al: and 7. Rc.\.ision.; rtl thc csceptions to thc prtlhihitir.rr~or1 pnr~~ir~gon 1;md acquired afrcr I'IXS. Proposed IcgisIntion 1I.R. 4843 (Pomh~)to :~-imr.ndsccticln 20 of thc Inclian (;;iin1 [I;! licgll tatorl; :kt (ICiK.4 I to restrict o If-rcscmt~iongaming. * I'r~poscdarncndmcnts to thc fomuIa that sets the Commission's annu:~l Ei~ndizlg.as linnwd in S. 1 295, u.liich has passed thc Senate anti is pencling I-rcfbrc thC I l{>uscKcsourccs I'ornmittcc. * I'ruy,srlls to morc clcnrIy ident iii. the di\.icti~~gline het iveen non-cornpnclcd Class I! gaming and conipnctcd C'lass 111 gaming. incIz~dingthe I)t.pr~r~tncntof Justice's ds:lft :imcndrncnt of tilt Johnson Act ( 1 5 [IS<' 3 1 1 7 1. r?f scq. and ~hc(-otnmission's tFrtlft cfnssiiicatic~nand tcchnicsl stonclards fi~rtc.dinoloyic aid3 !o ( 'lass I1 grn~li~ig. a Pcndin~prrlposctl nilcs tn rnndil) thc 3IIC'S. I'rnpos:~ls that i\\.nulil rcq~iireapplications fir 'l'nbnl gartlinr fhcilit? liucnscs to spcclf? 3nC1 ccrtif> that tht' fi~ciliryis (In *-lndian1,ands" ant! to idcnrilj the c.n\~inlnrnc.ntal.health and puhlic safety stnntIards that itpyl! tr> ahe hciliry and ccnif). corriy li;~ncc-thcrcivith. To schcdnlc your 1 rille's meeting \vs-ith thc C'ommissitln. plcasc cornplctc and fils thc tncloscd mccring r~scr\~ationI'om to 14s. Rita l-lona at 202-h.72-0045 ns qtlon as possihlc. I-::rch rncctit~g11 ill hc scl~cdulcdon a first-cnmc-first-scrvcd hasis, If you h:ivc :In? cl~icstio~~sscgnrding thc suhcdt~lin~.plcasc call rnc or 31s. I Ioma 31 201- 4 18-0807. I look for\xnrd tcl mccting \\.it11 Nctv ~,ICC'S~CO?*rihcs and their ltndcrs dtiritig the XI('rA Convention ;ind rradc Shnn. and hope you 3rt. nhlc to schcd~dcn rntctin~niiI1 us. , ,' , / Philip ~-~o~ctr'" LCIl~irman Sharon \i'hitcht.:kr. Chairperson )lo-('hunk Nation P.O. Ros hh7 Black Rivcr Falls. W1 5451 5 GOVERYYlEST-TO-GOVERNRIENTC'OYSUI,I'ATION SOTICF :\Nn REQUEST Pursuant to our cornrnitrncnt to go\-t'mmcnt-to-~ovemmenttribal consultation and in kccping with our stated policy. tl~cNational Indian Gamin2 Commission (NIGC) !xrill hc in Rlot~min~ri-m.Minnesota for the 1~'~Annual Great Plains~%idwcstIndian Gaming ,2ssociation Confcrcncc and Ttadc Show on Tucsrlay. May 22"" and \trcdnesday. May 23"'. 7007. for thc purposc of rnccting and consulting scparatcly ~vithindividual Tribes in Michiyan, Minnesota 'Yf5sconsjn. Iowa, Montana Nchraska. North Dakota, South Dnkotn ant1 !Vyorning. Rascd on our separatc gnvcmmcnt-to-govemmenf relationship with each Tribe and in rccogniticln of the individ~~aluniqueness of cach Tsihc, tbc fommission asks io mcct and consult scparatcly and privately with each individual Trihc and its govcrn~~~enlntaland rcy~latoysamins Icailcrs. The Commission has rcscnretl tl~eAtrium 3 Room in thc Sl~cratonR Ionrnington Hotel for this purpose. Mcetinss ttinlcs may hc schertulcd on Tucsrlal;. May 22"" hct~vccn9:00 p.m. and 5:OO p.m. mtl Wcdncsday. May 73'" bhctwcen 9:OO a.m. and 17:00 p.m. Fach rnceting n+illbc scheduled Tor 45 rninvtcs. !I1 these meetings. the ('ommission xvould Iikc to hcar and discuss your cornmcnts. questions. conconis and rccommcndntjons rcgnrdin_e: Proposcd classi ficat ion regulations to hctter disting~ishht.tlVccn tcchnic:~Ilynidcd C'lass I1 games and rlass Ill clcctrr>nic or clcctt-omccl~anicdhcsirnilcs; Scr~pcof N1C;C"s rcgrtlation of C'lass Till gaming activitic's in light of Court I~oldingsin hlorrrrlo Ri1.r.r Irlriim Trihas 1. .I'll;(' li tipation: Planning for N 1CiC-s compl iancc lvith the Government Pcrformancc Kcsults Act (C;PR..l r. including budgct rcvit.u.. trainin? and technical nssistancc: Kc$ulations proposed hy the Dcpafirnunt of thc Inturior to cstnhlish standards Tor implementing off-rcscn.ntion gaming accluisitions (Section 20) of ICiR.4 and atncnding Rtvcnuc :lllocntinn Plan (R.4P) rcgulalic>ns: PmposnIs fir scgirlntions concerning triM liccnscs for gaming fi~cilitics. spccii).ing "Indian I.ands" on which the gaming is cnnductcd. idcnti &ing thc cnzirnnmcntt~I.hcalth and puhPic m,?li.t>standards that :appI> to tile facility and ccrti fyirig ct>mplianccthcrulr-ith: * Proposals Ii~srrgulnticlns to reduce thc rcquircnicnt to submit fccs to twicc a wear from tijur lirncs n car: to allow tribes to rcqwst n rcduccd scope audit in c~rtain ci~urnstanccs:to I~~BTCand clnnfy the management cont~tctrcgularinns: and to revise fllc dctinition of nct rcvenlrc.: and Other gaming rcgi~lnrnrissues nf concern of 'our 'l'ribc. Plc:lsc cornpIrte and fax thc cnclosed mecting rtservnrion f'orm to Ms. Rita Homa at 302- 632-0015 tn schcduk your Tti be's pr?~:itc govcmmtnr-to-govcmmcnt consultation mer-ling ~vi~llthc ('ommission. 3s soon as po~sible. Each mccting \\ill he schcrlirlcd nn :I first comc first st'wcd b~sis\vi th preference given to 'Pri bcs ~ravcling thc gscnttr distzncc. If you ha1.c an!. yuesrions regarding the scheduling or cclnsultatic~nprocess. plcnst. cz~ll rnc or 41s. T loma nr 207-4 18-'38137. C'c~rnrnissioncrsI'honry. DesRnsims. and I look fonvxd to meeting and consul tin5 with 'Trihcs and their 1c;ldcr~d~~ring our visit to the Great PIains?vlidwest Indian Iiaming rlssmiation C'tlnfcrence and hope you arc abFc to schedule n meeting with us. I?:I~cI~ 1711 ottr sq~;ir:!tc ~cI~c~~TTIc~I-~cI-~~ov~~~I~II~c~~~rt-I:lt~o~~shipik 1111 C;~C11 '1 rilw ;tntl 111 rcco!:niti Ilr;rli prr qlrisctl tCc.hnlcal stn~irIartlsti)r ( 'l;l>rII y;~rn!~~yrcpl~prnr-ni. * I'l;~~ininytiv Ylli("s coinpliancc t~-il11the Gc>vernmcnt I'crforn~n~iccResults Act (liI'li:Z 1. including budget rc~.ieil.training and Icchnicnl r~qsistnncc: Rup~~l;rlionspropc~scd by tllc I)cp:lrtmcnt of tl~cIntcrior tr, cstnlllish standards for implcmcr~tingt~fl'-rcscn~ati~~n griming acquisition?; (Sccliclt~201 01' I(;li,.'i and arncnriing RL'T,C~UC ~lrll~cati~~~~ I'lan R.11') scgul;ltir>ns: * I'rt~pi~s:ils for rcgulnrions concerning tribal l icenscx for g;iminy huil i tics iiicnt it5 ing tlac cnvironmcntal. hcr~lthand public s;ift.ty stand;~rdsthfi~ nppt! to the fbcilir: and certifying co~npli:rncc. tl.tcrcu.i~h and. ri~rncn gaming clycr:ttions. specil) irap 11ic "Indian I.nnds" ol' the plnrcs. ficilitics. or locations on whic11 gn~nint,!\fill tlccur and ccflifying th~status of'thcs~I;lnrls: * I3rc>pos;dsfor regulations to rcducc. rhc rcquiremcnt to suhniit kcs to tivicc a year frclm fimr times n year: FO allot\ triks 10rt'qtiest a rtldr1cr.d scopc audii in certain circitrnsranccs: to update and clnrit). thc nianrtgcment contract regulations: anti to rc\ iw tl~cdc!irlItion of IIC~rcvt'nuc: nncl ISthcr g;rrnirry rcguI;l~on.issues of ccmccn~oi' your 'I'sihe. Plt.;wc unmplctc andl Ijs Iht. encI~>.;cdrnccting scscrvation fbmi to Ms. Kita I loma 31 203- h.;?-flf~-15 t{) schc~litIt. !.our 'I'sibu's pri\-nfc gavcrnmcnt-t o-gci~cn1~1cn1consuI t:~tion mccling i! i~htllc ('C~IIIIII~SS~OII.2s 5(1on as possible. ilacl~~nccting 1vilE hc schcrfulcd on a tirst-co~ric.. lir~i-s~'nc~1hisis ~vifh prcftstncc gi\.cn to 'I'rihcx tro\cling trhc yrtlattr dist:lncc-. If' >(hiI1;n c 'ltl! quest ion.; rrgrlrrliny thc sclicduling (1.r consullalion procc-ss. plcasc call nit. or \lx Ilcm~:~at ?013-118-")XOJ. C"ornmissinncr\ I'I~onc.>.I1csRusic.r~. and I trwk liin~mdto ~nc.c.rit.igand consulting with 'I'rihcx and illcis Ic:~rIcr.;during our visil to the NIliA C'oni-cn~ion:~nd Trndc Sho~sand hopo yrlt~art' ;lhlt 11) SC'IICL~~~C;E rnccting with us. Federal Register l Vol. 73, No. 22 /Friday, Februay 1, 2008 / Rules and Replations 6031) -- - -. - -- [ir)Zilpatarnl alnns nr in combination (fl * ' 555R.665 Zllpaterol. as in 5 538.665. (2) ' ' ' ***.* 3. 558.625, In 5 add paragraph (ix] Zilpatml alone or in combination (el Gnditions of use in cottlp. Tt is [fl(Z)[is)to mad folIa\\~: as as in 5 558.665. administered in fwd a%follows: 9 SSL625 Tylosln, 4. In 5 558.665, rev is^ pampph (e) to **.** mad as follo~vs: - - (1) 6.8 to pmde 1 Came te5 in canlinment for slaughter: For Feed mtlnuwsty as the sole ratron dvring 60 to w np ~ncreasdrate of weight galn, improved the last 2(5 to 40 days on feed. wjth- haadday few PfMency, and increased tx-cass drawal perfad: 3 days leanness m came fed In canf~nernent:or ! slaughtc- dunng the last 20 to 4 ttays on feed. - - .-. - - --(2) IResern .- -- 1 - -.- (3)[R~nredj (4) 6.8 to provide Monensln 70 to Came fed in confinemen! fw slaughter: As As in paragraph (e)(l)of this &on: see 1 05m6 60 to 90 rr@ 40, pigs tyfnsln ! in paragraoh (@)(I)of this sechon: for , &558.355[6) and 558.525(c) of this hcadday 8 to :CI , prevent~onand control ofEoecleios!s dim chaprer. Monensrn anc! wlosin as pm- ' to E~rn~rnbvrs and E. memrr; and for wdee by No. 000986 in $513.600Ic) of I r&uctior; d ~ncidemeof lrver abscesses th~schapter. mused by FvS&ac!8rjwn nmrobbourn I and Arcartoldtwc:er~um(Acfinomyc?~} pmenes. FOR FURTHER RFORMATION MHIACT: rnonitnrin~,enfnrmment. and w~rsiph! P~nny1. Coleman, Acting G~n~rat duties. 25 U.S.C. 2702I3). Cuunscl. at 202-632-7003; fax 202- SRCOH~.t11~ XTGC IIPA~S to 011t~in 631-TO66 (not toll-free nnmht?rs). infnrmation on a fribp'~~nvimt~na~ntal anrl put)lic health anrl snfpty laws tr~ SUPPLEMENTARY lHFDR?AATlON: over'iee :he implammtnt~onof npprnvatl tribal gaming nrc!inances. B~fom openin? a gamin2 opmation, a trihe On October 17.1888. Congress must ac:op: an ordir?anc~governing enacted the Indian Gaming Rquhtoq gmining activiti~ann ~tr;Indian Inncis. 25 National Indian. Gamlng Cornmissron Act r'TGM" or "Act"). 25 1J.S.C. 2701- U.S.C. 271 0. The Act spacifirs a nrrrnher 21, mating the National Indian Gaming of rnantlatnv prnvisions tn iw contained 25 CFR Parts 502,522,559 and 573 Commission ("NIGC" or '*Commission"l in each ~rihalgaming ordinanm anrl and developing a comprehensive subjects such orrlinnncos to tllr: NIGC framer\-ork for tho regulation of gaming Cha~man'sappmvn!. Id. Appmval bv on Indlan 25 L.S.C. 2702. The FaeifHy License Standards IRR~S. the Chairman is pr~dicat~dnn thr UTGC: was granted. among other things. inclusion of each nt the Act's ~ecifi~d AGWV: National India11 Gaming tho authority to pmmulaate such mandatory provisions in the trlhnl (:runmissinn p4'\TIGC"or rpgnlatinns and guid~lincsas it deems gaming ordrnanca, Id. .\munp, thrsa is a "Cnmmissron"]. apprupriete to in~plenentthe pro~!sions spquirr~mcntthat th~ortlinilr?~~ ~IIIS~ ACTION: Final rille. oi :C;Rr\, 15 U.S.C. 270fib)[f 0). as rvell contali] a prorislon ensurinz that "'thp as ove~xightand enforr~rnentauthority. construction and maintenance of the suvlunuv: The rule adds new sections includinq the authori~to monitor tribal gamins operation, anrl tFip np~tationof anti R new part to the Commission's compliance with the Act. Commission that gamirl~is cnnd~trt~riin a manner raqtilaiianr that mquire trihcs to adopt mgulatinns. and tribal gaming that adequately protwts the and rni'orce stanrlards for hcility osdinancrs. ~nvironl~~~ntanti t!lr: public h~alth and Iirens~s.These stanrlarrls rr.111hnlp Ihs First. the lGR9 allows gaming on safety." 25 :'.S.C. 27nl?)):2HE). Sincr (:onmissinn ensure :hat each place. Indian Isnda pnm~antto 25 U.S.C. 1993, wh~nthe Commission t)esarr.e f;lcri:ty or lncatinn rvhrrr: class I: nr 2703:4), anti ~t contains a g~neral op~ratiu~~al.tlw Chairman llac wpirted class iII gnrr.in$ will occur 1s located on pfahil3ifion agaEnst gamin; un lands eqch trilyal gaming orcllnance sulnnitted lndian lands ~iigiblnFnr gamine as acquired into trust by the Xnitsd Stetcs for approval rn includp the cxpmss requlted by thc Intiinn Griming fnr the benefit of the trihe after the Act's environmental and public health and R~gulatoryAct. The mles rviI! ensute effective data of October 17.1988, aaf~tvstatement set nut in 25 I!.s.C. thijt gaming facilities are constructed. unless one of several exceptions are ~~I~~][ZI[E). rnnir~tainedant1 op~ratadin a manner met. 35 U.S.C.2i1g. The Commission The Commission beli~vesthat tribes that atleq~!ateI!. protects the has jurisdiction only over gaming must haye snme form of basic laws in ~n~irnnn?rrltand t!lr prthlic health and operations on Indian lands and the follo~vin:: environmentat and pnt~lic safetv. t!:erefore must estnhliah that it has health mind safety areas: [I ) Ernri-gency DATES: Effective March 3. 1008, jur~sdictionas a prerequisite to its preparedness. rncf~tdingbut not Iirnited 6020 Federal Rcgistrtr l Vol. 73, No. 22 /Friday, February 1, 2008 1 Rules and Regulations -- -. to firp suppr~ssion.law enforcement on the economv of $100 million or commissions: 3 fmm citizens' and smlritv: {?I food anti pntahl~water: more. The rules will not cause a major associations: 3 kern gaming associations (31 conslnxction and maintenance: [4) increase in costs or prices for and I ~achfmm a goramor's har~rdousmate ria;^: and :5) sanitation consumers. individual industries, association,a county. a pr~vatecitizen. [hnth solid waste and u~ast~rvater]. Federal, state or 1~3government a sate environmental agency, and a Accanlinglv, in 2001. the Commission agencies or gecgraphic regions and does carrlroom. Manv of the comments were issued an inte'prptive nile to ensure the not have a sigmficant advanc! effect on grouper1 hs~don thp colnmnn topics adaq~lateptntedon of the ~nrimnment, competition, employment. investment. addr~sssd.The Commission carefully prllllic henhh. anrl safrty. 67 FR 467 09, productivity. ~nnoration,or the ahiliv reviewed all t:omments anr! whprp JuI. 12. 2002 ["lnterpr~tir~~Rul~?"], nf U.S.-hased enterprises to compete apprnpriatt? revised tlie final ntlr to Thp MICX has conductpd many with foreign-based cntrrprisea. rt:flcct thaw comments. The comrn~nts cnvimnlnenl and pubiic ilealtll and L~~~~~gd Man RPfOm Act and the N!GC response iulluw. saf~trin~ppdions since the isqllance of Comments Questioning NIGC Authority ?heI~f~rp~~fil'~ RUIP and has worked The Cornmimion,as an To Pmmulgotr the Fac~liyLimnsr: with a consultant tn a1 jnrr. the agency to ragulatov agency within the Standcds l 'ndmlGAA pin cxprrtisc In this an-3. Through ;his Department of the Interior. is exempt ~nspectienproc~ss, the hTGC has from compliance with the Unfunrled M~nrof the comments to the idrnt15pd tv~akness~sin tribal laws or Mandates Rofonn Act, z U.S.C. I~OZ[T); proposed Facility License Stalldads enfn~~rnent!h~r~nf and has trrarked 2 L.S.C.658[1). Regardless, the rul~ pertained to the Commission's %vi!!t tri'tw to ~tlr~d~fici~ncies. The does not impose an mandate authority. I\:@address the sp~cificissuw Colnm!s%lanhas al~ordmt ific!d sel.emI on state. local, or tribal novpmnments or ""'1 Commission rPs?OnSR llrlnw* d~ficir~lcirsin the Int~rpr~tnfiveIZ~llrt on the private sector of korp than 31 00 that rvil: hr: correct~d111. t hr Pncili~ mi1l:on per pear. Thus. it is not a Licensr Standarcis. NarneI!-, ~IIP "significant replatonr action" under Serml commcntcrs stated that the proposed rul~improperly intrudes upon Interpr~tivc!R~rlr! dops not assist the the L:lifunded Mandate5 Reform Act. tribal sorrercignty in the absence Commission in identiklng what of a hy Congmas to environm~ntalanrl pul)lic health and clearly expmssetl intent In accordance with Emutive Order do sa and sepks to replace the tribe's safety latr.s apply to each gaming sovereign rqulatory authnritp with opcrntion nor does it cnnlrc that tribal 12630. the Commission has d~termined NTGC's authcrity. Stater! ~ariousiy.the garnlrlg replaton7 authorities are that the rule does not have significant prnposed nrf~trnuld sornp~ltht: tribes rnforring rllosr laws. takings implications. it takinjis tn adopt NlGCx facility liccne~ng 'Sllerr ISn :lwc! for a submission to implication asseqsment is nnt require$. st~nd~rdsinst~ar! of the tnl~cs'own. or rhc! (hmmission of a cerrification by the Civil Justice Reform i: rz*o~ildcompel the trihes tn enad trilw that it has enacted or id~ntified positlye lax%-and then pant the NIGC laws applimh!e tn its gaming operation In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office oFGeneral Counsel has the right tn jutl~~tht= arlaqua~nf that and is !n compliance wl:il then? together law. with a dwilrn~ntlisting thnsr?laws. This determined that the rule does not untluly burden the judlcial system and The Cnmmission disa~wswith these pmncess \vill mahle trihrs and th~: characterizations of 31:KA ~nclof th~ Cornmissinn tn ir!antiSthpmi,lem areas meet the requtrements of sections 3(a] and 3[h)(2] of the Order. proposed n1l~'spurposr and \rvli~reIarvs am needed so that the NTGC consequents. The Co~nmission may oU(,r technical afivjce and .vflfj~nelEnlimnrnen?~! PoIi~r Act rt?cngt>iz~sthat trihes an= tlip primary PncnuragP adoptinn and enforcement of The Commission has dstarmincd that m~ii~~tomnlIndian gaming and has nn apprnpriat~:ntr.~. The find !:acilip the rule does nnt conditute a major int~ntionor desir~to intr~rrioupon that Llcens~Stantlards will no! replace the vital ml~or to usurp ttihal autlloritu. Jntr*rpmtivv Rule hut rvill rr-ork in frdml action significantly affvctinp the ofthe Thzrs, in the aenrral nsc, th~ntl~ cinlv cnnj~:nc!ionwith it. Thp final rule docs qualttv human environm~t~tand that no detailed statement is required asks each tril~rto identify ant1 ~nlorc~ not preclude the Chairman's autllority the laupsit has adopted to ensure the to fakc an ~nforcernentaction in the pursuant to the National Envimnmal~tal 1969, ht-at& and safetv of tho puhl ic and the erlcn: imminent jeopardy exists at a I'nlicy Adt of 42 [J.S.C. 4321, pt ST. environment, i.e.. thr lnws or sfandards tribal gaming facili:~. it has adapted in thp. areas or cmPrgnnn Regulatory Matters Pnpenr~orkReduction Act preparedness, food and potnblr wntpr. The hllowing final Facilip Licensing constmction and maintenance, etc. K~,ntrlntnyF!c?Eihf/jty Aci Standards requip information Them is no requirement th~ta trihe The rule ~+-ilI not have a significant collection under the Papmork ~doptand enforc~any partinrlnr law. emnomic pffrct On ti suhstan:ial number Redudon Act of 1995,44 U.S.C. 3901, The Commission merely wishes to of srnalI ~ntitirsas d~finerluntler the ~t seq.. and are subrect to review bl: the know. Tor ~xampla.~vheth~r a trih has R~,gulato~Fl~xihility :lc:. 5 I-.S.C. 601, OFfice nf Wanag~m~ntand R~rdga. written its own fire cO~R,whrrther it has P! s~q.vvlor~ot.r?r, lnrlian tribes are not adopted a county's codr. or rvhrtl~mn cnnsiderrd to he srr.aI1 en ti ti^^ for the tribnl-state compact prnvirles for tho purpnsrs of th~RcguIntor!. flexibility ap+p!icatien of tl particular fir^ cotlc. Ad. We requested written comments from :t 1s nnlv in thr unrlsr~alcase wh~m the pubIic on the proposed Facility a tribe has adopted no, or obviously License Standards 172 FR 59044) during inadequate, health and safe-ty stanrlards the comment period that oppnad on that the rule trrould i~~sistthat the tribr? The n~leia not a major nile under 5 October 18. 2007, and closed or1 adnp? 1~~~~s.That. howrver, places no U.S.C. 804[21. the Small Rrrsinesa December 3, 20137.During that comment obliqation on thr: trih that t!iungstn th~trihes. anrl :he Il gaming is conrluct~d."15 U.S.C. managament officials: anrl (4) an (:nmn:ir~inn plays only an oversight 271oblIal. YGRA also obligates each ap Iir ation for ~~PFregulation. role i~ndstthe Commission's existing tribe, throuch 11s gaming ordinance, to Th~hti~ornmission ar:ePs that tGM intprprptivp ride, 1;7 m 4fi109. T!le ensurp that tli~construction, does not specifically trl~nti?the adnptlon of the n~lprvntrid make no maintpnanm, anrl oppration of each mhmisilionr mq~iird[IV th~prnpomd rhany to this arrangement. tribal gaming facility is candndd in a rule. The Comc:ission disagcw that the sr~cralcommenters stated that the mannpr that adequatelv protects fie cnmment mntairls an exhaustive list of WGT. has nn arrthnrlty to require environment and tlre public health and doclimtnts ~~110s~s~~bmission IGRA arloptlon of specific haaltli anrl safety or safety. 25 U.S.C. 2il0*](1){E].What specifically rpq11ii-e~.Thr rornment op~rationals?anrl;lrds b~cans~fGRA exactly is required by cach of these omits, for exanlple, the suhmlssiun of crln:alns no such standards. sections. or when it is rrquired, management contracts rot thr .I!thrlugh IGKA rln~slint en~lm~rat~!IOW-PYF?~, Congress did not say. Congress Chairman's rm0ipwanrl appmuai. 25 spwific Ilcaaltb as~rlsnf~tv nquiremmts has nelther the institutional expertise U.S.C.51 1. Thp Cornmissinn nlsn for gamin? facili!i~s,t?~ .kt r~quirss nor the inclirlntian to specify ell disagrws rrritl~the comrnr~lt~s' that the crlnstruction, maint~na~lct?and m~fulnto~d~tilils in thlq or any other con~tusionthat tllv iihilit! tu wqttire npttrn:inr~nTa gaming facility "is orzanic statutr for any rqulatonr subrnission nf infnrmation is lictitarl tn cnnrl~~rrt~din a naIlrlcr rr?licI~ azrncp, rtccnrdingly, it creates tllosr: snrcific sulxnissinns rdentifipd in atlquat~lyprntec-b the ~nrimnm~nt rr.q~tlattnyag~ncips and ~i~esto them 1C;R.l. an[!the pul)lic health and safe+." 25 tl:p r~s~onsi;Jili~to fill in those gaps. As to thc submission of the facility L;.S.C. ZilO(tr)[?)(E). Con,y~sscreated Conqress created thr: NTGC, 25 i:.S.C. license itself and tile infnrrnation nhnrlt tht=hq.TTGC, 25 L.S.(:. 2704(8!.and gave it 2704[n),and gnr-e it the specific health anrl safcfy laws and compliance t!lc spmific authority to 'prnmulrate authnrity to "promulgat~sr~ch that must accurnpanv it, IGM, apin, such reylations and guidelines as ~t regulations and guid~linesas it deems obligates each trihe to limnse its gaming rtwms apprnpriate ;n impl~m~ntthe appropriate to ircpleicent the pmvisions facilities. 25 G.S.C. 271 O[l,)(l j. IGIIA provision:: o! !IGKA].'* 25 l,'.S.C. o: :h~schapter li.e., IG&II." 25 U.5.C. alsu obligates each tribe, through its '~;rlti[l,](lol. T!lc Commission is doing 2 ;D6(b)[l nl. The Comm~ssianhas gaming nrdinance, to pnszlrp !h;lt the sn llpre. This n~lernanriatrs that tribes da~r.cd~t appro print^ to impfement the constructrun, maintenance, and iden!ifr., nnd crrtify their enforcement specific pmrisions set out in 25 U.S.C. opcratron of each tribal ~arnin~facility of. :hr ii~altfiand saf~tylaws, 2710[h][1)and ?,ID[b)[f JE]. is conducted in a mannrr that rcsniutinns, cnries. pnl~cies.dandards TI!P nsle docs not rPqulre that each adq~ii:eI~pmtccts the ~nvironrnent nzlilinr pmt?il!~r~sthat apply tn tllc~s facilrt? be l~mnsedonly Pvea three a~~cithr public l~ealtlland snf~tr..25 prning npcmtlnns. 'I'herr?om.the rule years. Rather, the rule requirw th~ta L7.S.C. 2710:h)[l)[Ii;. What ~xacllyrs ~mplrmentsthp rqt~iremnntsof 25 facility be lxensed no less frqusnt1~ required rach of thew sertinn~. 11.S.C. ?710$][l)[E). Further. when than oncn every thmyears. proposed however, Congress did not say. Congress certain trrrns are IISP~h~trjn tn d~srribe 25 CF'K 35'3.3, and the Cornmisslon bas neither thr ~nstitutinnalexpc?rbisr! applicahlr? 1leal:tl anr! safety obspn.es that most tribes license their nor the inclination to spacifv all ri~clr~irrmmts.such Im\-t.~.molutions. ~amingfacilities more fmquently. The re~ulatovc~ptails in thrs or any nth~r corleq, po1ic:w. sianrl~rrlsnndlor cholcr nf a thre~yearM~ZII~~RI period is organic stnt~~tefor any rc-gulntorv proc~dl~r~s,rlw use uT srich t~rmor ti-lprefnwmnsident rvith, and larg~ly agrnq. ,\ccord~nglr,it rreat~s :mms is nnt meant to cxclud~all other encompasses. the triks' existin:: rt,;trlatoy ngencirs and rs to thrm terms nlsimilar meanin:. practices. The rule also rq~riresthat the th~rcspons!bility to Fill In thos~:Raps. S~v~ralcot?l!npnters s!ated th~th7GC hihe submit a list of applicable health Congress created thp hiGI:, 25 i ;.S.C. has nn a~~tliorityto attach specific and safpty laws and certify its 2704(n], and Rave it the specific rquir~ments,such as a ihr~e-vear compliance with them. Proposed 25 authority tu "~lmmul~att:s11r.h ren~rvaiperiod, to issuing n fasilic Cm 53.55. The Commission has reg~latinnsand guidt-lines as it deems I~cnnschrcnuse IGRA contains no such deemed it appropriate to implement the appropriate to implement the provision3 qu~remmts.Othcr commenters specific pmrisions i~r25 U.S.G. of this chapter ll.e., IGKr\].'' 25 U.S.C. su,ygrrttrd that the :hre~rrearrenerval 271R[i~](1)and 2710[b)[l)(E]. 2706$)/10). The Comnnssion has perinrl 1%-asitrhi trary. By seekin3 to have tribes periodically deerncct it appropriate tcl implement the 'I'lrr. Coinmiss~onagrees that IGRA license gaming facilities and identify the specific pmrisions set out in 25 Li.S.C. does not spec!Fy any period of renewal health and snfcty nll~sthey enforce, th~2;10$)(T) and 27101b)[I)[Ej. or other conditions :D the obligation to rule creates clechanisms by which the B? seeking to haw tsibt:s periodiraIly issue a hcllitr license. The Co:~mission trilles and the Commission can ARSI~W licelise garnlng facilities an[! identifr, the 6022 Federal Register JVol. 73, No. 22 [Friday. Eebmq I. 2008 J Rules and Replations - - .------. ------h~althand SSI~P~rides they ~nforce.the Commision for appmval. Rather, the 11 few cornmenten stated that the rule matm mechanisms hr. which the n11~simply requirel: that 1.20 days prior NIGC mav not issue these wulat~nns trilm and thp Comrnis~fonrx+n Pnsurr! to the opening of a new facility. the tribe hause nnrlerthe well-esta!llish~rl that pramin? faciljtl~saw Iicensad and submit a notice that a facility license is canons of constnrction in RdsraE Indian that :heir constn~ction,maintsnanr* under considemtion to makc the law, statuto~amhiguities must be nnd r)p~~ationis "condud~d in a Commission awan, ofthe impending resolved in favor of th~tribts. rnnnnpr which adequately protects the opening. The n~lealso requim thR The Cornmissim njirws t?~atthe environment and public ht.alt11 and nibmission of minimal information for Indian canon of cnns!mctio~~holds that saf~tv.'?7 5.S.C: 271 n[h):l)/E) drtem,ining Indian !ands. k\jiain, the statutory arnbi$itic?s am to tip: rrsolvwl ~Iintsaid. there :s a S-cnnr!. sliflicient Iocat,o, of n gaming facility Indian in favor of tIw trill~s.T~P Commission sot~rcr:of atithorih1witltin IGkZ for the lanrlsis a Recessan. prcrcquisite to clisapcs, horvevt?r, that the canon st1t)missinn of f;ici!it?' Iic~nsesto the gaming undw IG~I.The de prnlubits the Commission from ar!npting Cnmmlssion. A factlit? lice~~seis a requests some of the information the rttle. The Cornmiseron Ilsli~vpsthat nqt~irernentof IGM. 75 U.S.C. necsssaq to make an Indian lands the rule effectuates some of IGRtf's 271fl[hl(P). and th* failurn isstw a datemination rind was a change from a stabtory r~quiremsnts:the licensing of lispnw is II vjolation of IGR4 a~ainst prerrious draft ofthe rille, rrhic~ gaming facilities and the constniction, ma! an wIlich tho NIGC Chairman hing imposed all affirmative obliRatlonon t!~intttnanceand operation of ihns~ enTt>rcementadion. 25 I1.S.C. 2713. The each tn~Peto make an rndinn lands facilit~esso as to prot~ctthe Cll~lrmall.th~rcfnre. has the authority to detmination before np+ning a nelv enviro~lmantand p:tbIic health and rqrrps? imp facility Iic~nwfm nnu far:j litv. safrty. Doing thcs~f1ii11gc P~S~IIPS not facilitv as pnfi af a rntltin* invsqtlsation on, cnmmenter state. that ~GCon!!. the health of casinn ernplovws and 25 I'.S.C. '7OGfIlJ. Rath~rthan re:ltlarly dORSnnt havp authority to make patrondhut thp health nf tlit. Inrl~ar~ rnnkitla such a demand thronzh rile Indian lands determinations besa~xse gamine in dust^ itself- Comm~ssion'senforcement staff, the 1~~4gives that authnritp the Assuming for tlip sake of aqtrnmt pmpnseri rule simply ~stab11sll~san SPcmtarv ofthe Interior, that there are ambiguities in IGW, the administrative prospss for the The Commission dissm. IGRA Cornmissinn heli~v~sthat the n~le snbmisslon of facility lic~ns~supon gives the abilit! to make resolves them in bvor of the triher;. The their issuance. lands heSecretan,, for commenterr, woulrI have othsr~vise.In Similarir-. as to the! s~lhmissionof determinations both Ind,an mquires example, while taking land into tn~st, such a sitrlation w!me fhcm are competing views of what is '5n favor of that all gamina take placf: nn "!ndian and tn the Cnmmission. Again, the on the tribcs," thr: canon will not bar the lands." .Sw. ~g..25 i:.S C. 2710h)[1), localion ofa ganjng facility lands Is a neccssa?' ~~rl~~s'teto Commission's declslon. Srr, r?.g., 271o[d)[l), Gaminx that dws nat take Shakop~~Mci~~~akonton SIOUX pEnct. on Indian Iatid:: is sul,jea to all s?n:rb and ?era: gambling laws and garn'"&(:flmmlssion~sluris~ictionun~w~~R~,nndPr KRAand "' A readins of IGRR und~rwhich the CRt'' Cirri 1S941n k:rirral Inws apart from iGR.+. The A frxv ccmmpntem .Ptatlted that tl~erc?is Cornms~ionis unable to determine its r!lnjman tht.rrcorp has thr authariv to nn authority to clr?rnanrl that a trihr. of%rn Wouldmd~rminen if rpmlnd ?nd:an ;nformatiorrfor anv $"'isdiction perform inf~rm~tiongath~rin~ fnr the britilv as part nf a rnutias invs~ti~atiali "Ot m"k rammissinn wit]lnut contrad or rn osrirar to rstablrsh W~IP~~RTgaming is, authorit'' '' L.S.C. campcnsalron. section 27lo[!))(;) of 2713. in fact, nccl~rrln:: undrr !GRA. 25 ;-.S.C. IGR+ plairily rq~iin-5that ii tht 77Dfi[h]. Rntl~cr:ban regularly making A "umber commentme stated that C",,issi,, deqirp5fi tribal gnvrrnmpnt such a demand tlirnueI~tllp under tile decisions in Colomdo Riwr to commFssionfnnctions, Cammissinn's enforcf-mer.1staff, the In&" r.. iyiGC. the the Commission slloll]d contract pay propnsar! rrtle simply esta!dis!les an ha'e authori? to them, arIrnini~tmtiveprocess for tile claae IF1 gaming and that these The Cammission disagrees tvith this suhrnission of mtnimal Indian lands w~~l~~~~~~arp an unnllthorized reading of25 11.S.C. 971 01h)(7]. Nnthing rnfor~nntimI~rfnrc: tire opening ofa new nl!~maklngintended in encroach on in this smqion quires the c:ornmissrnr~ faci!itr. class IT1 gaming. to contract with tribes for mrnplianrp! r'i fr-u,commenters stated that The Commission respects and nhides ,ith ammissionn?flllaliona. rqniring tribs to s~rbrnitsits-specific b!: the courts' decisions in the Chmdo this setion permits recornmcnds to facility licenses to the NIGC; for Riv~rlndi~nTr~~sv.~Vofi~nu~lndi~nt~le~ommjssionthatftmntractu~t~~~F! npproval p~t: exempted from mornm~ndedthat tho XIGC require it r~latesto new facilities. the reporting rquimmnnts in this rule. tribal gnvPrnrnctnts tn arti if?? th~ T!lc Commission disapes. The For thnse tribes whose Xribnl-stat* implen~cntationof their pul~lichealth reqwirements of the mlt! are applicable compacts identifv those laws. nnrl wf~t!. ordinances as part of the regardIess oftha class of gaming resolutions. cndta, pollc~csor standards. nnnr~nlnl~dit prncrsa. inr t~lred,and thns no distindiun is othpr than fedrral lilxt*~thnt are mq!rimrI 'T111: Cnrnrni~siondis~gm~~. The rule nacesqary. Further. if a frihal-state in the KICX's Facility License is des~jinerlto Ire rnini~allvintrusive. It compact provides for the application of Stendarcis. they can submit tn the NICK rgulrcq l~csnsingof FnclIitlcs no lcqs particular hcaltii and safe? larvs, then the loc~tinn\\,here that infomatinn can frrrlu~ntlythan nncp rvpi-y thwe ?pars. idcntiRcation nf the compact and it< b~ fo~inrlill their ttihal-state mrnpact. It hlatclng certification of enforcemen1 of rc uirrrnpnts is sufficj~n~. should be noted, ~OWFNP~,that triflal- hr,tIth anrl safvv nrdinanm part of Xneconmenter sstat~dth~t it is state cornpacts arc only required for mrh tri!>e'a a~~nualaudit prucew rr-onld uncbar wf~e!llerstatr or local class I11 gaming and the Facility Licanse make thrw firn.~~th~ t~flrL an[! is mom govpmments or ather entities muld Standartl~appil; to kt11 class II and Iik~1ytn he incnnsistant with nlmnt chal!mgc tribes' facility lic~nsenntice claw I11 gaming facilities. 1ic:rtisin~practices. and. th~rs.Indian lands deternlinations. Sevem. c:omrnmts r~latedto the Onc cnmrnrntrr rquest~rlthat facility The Cornm~ssioncloes not intn~dto ability nf tlip NIGC tn cam. out its d~rties limnse st~t,m!ss~onbe rqt~irednot only permit such a challenge, under the Facility License Standartls fur new Facilities but also for s~thstantial One conrncnter bel:er,ed that the wf thout creatiny: a nPrv l~ur~aumacy- axpnnsions af esistin~fxciIities license submission sllould also state within the Commission. [substantial bein? defin~das either a whether tlie land is mst land eligible 1'1~Gomrntssion dimpes. The NTGC 2Sn$ rnurcase in the n~tlnborof class Ill for Indian gaming under IG&\ and the already has existing p~rsonneIwhn it1 mac!lines nar an rncrcnsc of more than bnsis for that ass~rtion. conduct site risits to tribal gnminy! 150 mac hi ncs]. The Commission disagrees. The facilities under the Intcrpwtntice Rule Tho Cnlnrzission dis~pes.This submission of Indian Iands infomation and who handle entrironm~n!al issu~a. would hp inconsistent xrith the purpose is required only for nerr facilities. If a Ex~stingpersonnel will co~~tinrteto ~lndsrlyingnotification to the tribp is openin:: a facility on Iand newly work on these and ot!rer environmental Comnissirm of IIPW fnciIiti~s.The takca into trust. than the Department of issuw thnt arise. nntification allmvs thr Commission to thr Interior \\.ill have made an Indian Seven1 comments related to the excrcisr its ercrsight mgtrlntnry lands determination as part of the tntd NIGC's statement that it had conrluctcd respnnsiiuli? fnr the npw fnc11ity acqulsrtlon process. Requiring tlre many site visits and inspw?ions slncs 6024 Federal Register / 1'01. 73, No. 22 /Friday. Febnrav 1, 2008 issuance of the Interpretatit-e Rule tequired a great d~almore: A legal Drinking Water Act, Resource which led tn the XIGC tdentifyiry the analvsis. copies of trust documents, Cons~rvationand Recovery Act, dc.). deficiencies addressed by this ml~. copies of court decisions, executirre The Commission disagmes, The Cnmrn~ntersrequested t!iat the NIGC ordem, secretarial proclamations or purpose of the mila is tn identify d~tnilthp mltsof tI~osainspertions to othcr documentation lrrgding land envtronment, ptiblic hcalth anti safetv justify rile necessity nf the Facility orvnership. The information rrquired in laws that applv thnt are not Federal License Standards. the final rule represents the basic laws. Tlw IZflGC: has :clsntified the follo~rin~ information necessa? so that the NIGC Comment Rqarding Poprtvork henl:!~ant1 safr-ty issues during sitc! can then determine rvhpthpr additionrl R~durfienAct visit<:lack rbf fr~! s~rppr~sqion systems: lands documentation is required. Iack of fire or ambulancs senrir~: One cornrnentr?r expressed concern The commpntar quested that insanitayf food storaqt? and liandfing: WLthe NIGC will respond directly to "burden" ha struck thrn~~ghthis sec?ion anti. storaqr! of hazart!ous mat~rials ~n inquiries from other gomrnoii~al and replaced wit11 "resorrrces ~sqtrired locations ~x.ithnnncompatiblc offices and Congress while pr1b1ic and for" and that "'annual infmation chernicnls. !n its Facility 1-icmst? state gowmments will h~ s~ihj~ctto the 111udrm" b placed with "msn~~ma Stalttlarc?~,the Cornrniwion sppks to Frwclom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. r~qtlimdto collect the infnrmation cnymtt its obligations undrr IGRA to 552. annuallv." ensurp that garni~lgis occurring in a 'Ihe Commission complies with the This language, however, is 'had on manner that arlrquatelv prntprts the Fredorn of lnformatinn Act ("FOTA"], the languaqe in the Paperwork rnvironment and thp p111111chna!th and therefore, any requests for information Reduction Act anrE is nnt the UlGCs safrtv. submitted as part of the Facility License langt~agp. ~cLeralcornmenters wpre unclear as Standards rq~rimmtntswill he subject Comments R~gardingthp Rqyulatn~ to POTA and the Prfracy Act of 1974,s to rr-hnt the NTGG's rern~dytvoulrl he for Fhibility Act non-compliance with the Facility U.S.C:. S52a. It'ith thr! ~xc~ptinnof law Licenap S:anriards. enforcement agencies and requests from The Commission NO~VP~a cnmrnent T~PChairman 31as the power to order Cnn*p?ssional cnmrnittws, which are that contrary to th~statsrnmt in thr! tenlpociry cclosur*?of a gaming facility oxenipt fmm FOIA, the NIGC: trPats all proposed ndtz that It~diantribes arc not for q~rbstantialviolation of the requ~stsfor information obtained as considewd to be small entities for provisiuns of 25 L.S.C. 2713. n~hjectto FOIA. This includes requests pirpnses of the Reg11ata1-y Flexibility Onn commenter requested that the from Conpssional offic~s.statP and Act, it may be thnt tribes xlf~smaIl Facilitv Lic~nseStanr!ards be expanded federal affrces, and the general public. entities for this purpose. The to p:nvid~to: lnrlapendent audits by Commission disagrm. Indian tribes am Comments R~gardin-ythe Infamution not incl~tdcdi11 this clefinit inn. 5 U.S.C. qualifiec?,cartifierl environmcntnll Col!&ion Burden m~in~~rinqfirms. according to a 601 /S)[cl. One cornmenter suggested that the wI!~dul~~stahlished 1)y t h~ tribe and Comments R~gnrrfingMGC acrt*rl upon by tile Comm:ssinn. with mtirnatas pror-idsd by th~NGC rpgarding the anotrnt required for Cnnsulfniion In Conncctinn ZZ'ith This 1rlc:ni gnrernrnsntnl sntit~esallotv~ri to Rule mvirw+thcsestllts of tire a~tdrt. inionnation collection are far too low in T!IPComm~s~ion det~rrn~n~d that tlw event a tribe does nat have laws SC?VC?MIcnrnmcnfs pertnin~dto the adding this rrquirement to ths Facjlity already in place in one or more of the lm-~lof cnnsilltation c:nntiuctd in License Stnnri:lrds u-ntrld he arcas identified as required by the connection rvith thp Facility 1,icense Ilnnrrmsan a%t5~ NIGC's site visits Facility Lic~nsaStandards. stand art!^ stating that the KICX (lid not and thr metprial ~trsd~dto be Thp Commi~sion"~estimate nf ccnrIucf rneanin2f:il consultation anti suirn:~!t~rlwi!h the I:acilit!. License approximate!!. 55,000to $10,000is for that tIip cons~~ltntioncnn~il~ctrd was in S:andard rr.nrild he s~~ffirlcntfor the t!~osetribes who do not clmntly have vialatinn nf the NIGC's consultation SIC;[; !o determine cr>n~p?iancr1~1th laws in one af the msen~rrnerated in pnlicr.. IC!L\. 5 559.5 of the rule. The Commission 'r!lk NKC ~~~blishdits Government- feels this estimate is seasonable for a to-Covernmr?;lt Tribal Consultation Commcnts Rqcording the hnds trcbe who must hire an inattomy to assist Policv an March 24,2004,66 FK 16973. lnfnrmoiinn r:'rquimd Lynchthe Fociliv in identification of those laws, codes. or In that policy tlie Commission Uccnst. S:nnr!orris standards tila! apply to its gaming wcogniz~dthe govwnmcnt-to- S~vt-!nlcomments stated that the facility. The Commission recognizes goveniment relationsIiip that exists information required for a nPw gaming that there may be underlying expenses hetween the N1I;C anr! f~dcmlly- f~cilityis onernus, dup!icativ~and wlated to instituting an env~mnmental. r~cognixetltribrr anrl statcc! tirat the nv~rly-burrlensoms. publrc health and safety propm in the primary fucns on tllc NII:C's T!lc Commission disap~s.In this event a tribe identifies a deficiency in a consultation policies would involve final n~lr,t!ip U!GC ha? significantl!' certain area wlhile complvin:: with the consulting with individual vibes and n-rlucptl tht. !ancis infnrrr.;.tinn trilws are Facility I.imns~!standards: however, the their recognized gor,~rnmentalIea!arl~rs. wrlu~reclto submit with a n~tr-facilie costs associated %ryiththese efinrts The Cornt::is~inn'?;consultatirln policy lict:rrs~ In the initial rvnrking drafts uf would r-ary patly depending on thp also wlts for providir~gearly tll~?proposer1 rule, tli~KJGC required sizc and location of thp gaming facility notificaliotl to eff~ctaritri!lcs of any Z~AInnrls inromatian on both new and and on the 1e1~91of en\*ironnerltal, mgulatoy pnlicics prior tn a final xis sting grn~n~facilities. Jn this final puhlic health and safety standards agency cIr!c~siclnr~gnrdin~ their ruis, the NIGC :s only requirinq alwady in place. frlrmula:ton or imp1~m~ntation. qualiking ;and informat ion !"or a facility One comrnenter suggested that the In keeping with tts cr~nsultation Iiwnsr on nrrr facilities, In addition. enrironmont, public health and safe@ polinl, t!~NIGC sent if5 firs! ~vorking thr fmal mie only reqiltms thr! facility requirements in the F;tc~IityLicenst! draft oft i~eFacilitv Licpnse Standards tn narcs, 1cgnI dcqcriptinn. and 151.3 tract Stantlards be tied to applicable ferloral tribal loaders on Way 12, Z0t)ti. That nurntlnr !or a new fzcilik. I'rior drafts laws [i.e., Ciean tl'ater .Act. Safe notice was also p~?hllshedon the NIGC Federal Rqister /Val. 73. No. 22/Friday, February 1, 2008 /Rules and Replatinns 6025 - - IVah sit P, ht!p://~~\~~~.ni,qc.~o~~+for narmrs- and limited rule such as the of the rq~fationis to inform the NIGC public coms~ant.The I:rlmmrssion alsn Facility Lic~nseStandards, sharing early prior to the opening of a npw Facilitr. invitetl tribes to mpe? rvith it in drafts and aIlorvinq for n len~thyperiod The NIGC: befi~vesany financirl~ cons~rltntionon this rule and other of comment and consultatiorl wo~ildbe difficulties posed hr campiianct: with gaming mattem. Fnllorrvingrlotiffcation the most comprehensive approach. this rule t~iil\)P le~ksign The Cammissinn has not made this enforc~rnentaclions and appmval of right a1 Indian tribes to regulate th~ir mvision. The mquirements for manapmen€contracts and site-specific own affairs 011 their own IantI, separate submission of fgcility license remain the ordinances. and apart frum the? laws snci same rvhclher gaming is occurring in a 01recommenter recommmded that W~U~~PTTIR~~of thp stst~s or their class 11 nr class 111 pning facilitv. the notice requirement include political suhdivis~ons.To the Pxtent Onp mmEnntrr ru~rstpd:hat since dmumcntation that the trih seeking a Cnngr~sswished the involl-pment of the prt 559 is pr~surnah;! ~nt~nd~dto new- ff;rciliFlicense cnmpli~swith tile stalt!s in Indian gaming, JGKn qo apply to a "saning uperatiu11"as that class I11 conditions necps9-* to engage pmvid~s.anrl the Conrmissirln tlues not tr:rln is drfinrd !rl 5 5112.10, in casino-style gambIing. The beii~vc11 to be appropriate to add mnm. c:nn~ideratior>cot~ld lw given to commentw wcon~rnendedthat the trike As facility lic~nsingiq a mettpr nf d~angingth~! phrase "tht! operation of submit n valid statetribal mmpact as gaming m~rrlation,notification to the cla~~I1 nr c!ass ITI gaming" to "class I1 evrdence of compliance. state< ma!. h~ providctl for I)! triFml-state or class TIT g~minsnp~rit!ion." Ku change wsmade as a mltof compact. T:~PComn1:ssion use< the reference to this comment. The Commission hss Comments Regadin-q $.55B.fi--lWhaf amin in^ p!nccs, facilities or locations" endeavor4 to take into consideration must a tribe submls to iht: Chairman to rprnnin rnnqistanf with IGM. tllat varintis documentation may he ropy oi fmci1it.v IECP~SP Anwth~rcomrnpnter r~conmended ar~ailableat other federal agencies [i.e., rrith the ~och that has been issued? that nart 559 shoultf be clarified to Denartment of the Interior' and has determine wheth~rthe Commission mmnved any duplicative submission One commenter mornmended that inienrls to replate (i) a tribe; (ii) place. requirements for documents that are the NIGC rqlzim suhrnission of fac;llty or 1nr:ction: or [iii! both. ~railabl~through other means. applicable state or ferI~rallicenses nr Zjr~changp was made as a rt.sult of Several commenters yuested that permits that dcrnonstsntr that n ttiht is thiq mmrn~nt.TIP Cnrnrnissir~n l~lieves adrlltional language be aarlded requiring it) compliance with federal or state it is char from the !an~uacc?of IGM no!jfication to surrnunding local and environmental Iaws ~pplir~b!~:tn its that "a sep~att!licensr: issuer! by the statc governmental antitias when tribes gaming operation. Inrlian triile s!lalI be required For each subm~:notice to the Cho~rmanthat a The Cn~rnissiondisapa. The NIGC pl~trr,I~lilt~, or location." facility lic~nseis nnder consideration has rlaterrnined that for purposes of this nile. Tribes will supply il ]is: of is for a new BciIity. Com~rlmtsRe.qmrding $: 599.1-llr!ra! Thp Cornrnl~siondiagmes. Indian irlantificrl applicaTllr: law4 and that it .FCO~P this tire* onc' prrrpnsr of port? gamlng is an expression of the sovereign st~aElL?F! witi~lnth~ Chairman's One commpnter suggested that the right of Indian tribes to re,mlatc their c!ismtion to request ;irfclitic~n~1 pI1rnse "th~constnldinn and own affairs on them own land, separate information if nrcsssan-. Thwp stat? rnaintennnct?nf the gamins facilihl" be and apart from the laws and and fedeta1 licenses could IF ~ti~st~tl changt=:Pdto "the jinrni~lgfacility is mqtiirrrrnents of the states or their Sp the Chairman i! a nwrl for such colrs:r~~ctedand ~nal~ltainerl." po!ittcaI subdivisinns. To the extent documentation is rl~mednmxss;lry. The Cunlnission ~PCIILI~C~tn make Cnngmss wrisl~edthe invofvemtnt of the One cntnmenter sumested d~l~!ung this change as the lanpay is taken states in Indian gaming, IGRA so the term "id~ntified"in 5 Eilifl.S(a)(l) fmm 1C;KrL at 2710(h][13:!-:-:). provides, and the Cnmmission does not and replacin11with "ac!nptsd, iswed or Onp cnmmentpr nhs~rcrdthat 5 559.3 believe it to be appropriate to add mom. agreed to" as an? latv nr standard which Sails to require t!lat the land must h As facility licmsing is a matter of the tribe has "identified'" hut has nnt under thr !urisrliction of the tribe. gaming regulation, notification to the arlopted, issucd or n~mdto, is without F~iril~mmnre,tlw rynlations do not states Iney be provided for tribal-state Icgal offact or significnnce. detail tlw ~liqitlilitysequiwments for compacts. 'The Commission r!~~:Iindto make gaming on inr!wn lnn(ls, and make clear O!ic commenter suggested that that this change as 111~term iclmtifitrl is a that thr? ?and :xstbe under the the proposed "chwifnhls m-ents" hroader tom t*-hiclial1n1v.s trilw to jw-rsd~ctionnf !he tribe, exaption creates a lonpholr! that shot\- that they an- ervart: nf 111~ Thr ~II~~OSF:of par: 559 is to ensum swallnws the notice reqi~irement. environment. public hralth and safety that each faci!ity wllew garnina ig Abspnt a wasonable numeric cap, a tribe laws that apply fo the~rfacilktles ~vcnif opcntcc! is lacat~don Indian lands could sponsor a string of charitable those lntvs may not !lave hwn ell:ih!c hr gaming pursuant tn IGM. awnts Lasting six days or lcss on a spccificaPlr promul~nt~dbv the tribes II;Kr'l ants out :he cligi'nilit!. continuous basis without glring noticse tlrcms~lres. wqlr imrnents and j11r;srlldinnal to thp STGC or, if class I!I gaming is Rna cnn~mentersuggestad that in rrr!uiwmPnts Fnr gatrinr, tn occur on involvar!, the state that FI tnht issu~d.a orcler to h~ cnnsiSfent with th~ Jnrtian lands. Consrqurntlv. na nprv faciliti~slicense. 1nterpretatir.c KuEr, the Commission ad(!:tional lanpiag~iq conremplat~d. The CanlmisSjon rlisavs. The shon?d considrr spgu~ringtfi~ trih~ to One cornmpntpr ob~n.&that the langmge of 5 559.2fh) makes clear that cert if? that it has estal~li~hstlpolicies. rrq~~lntionfails to rpquirr that the NGC this exception relates to the "occasional procedures or svstrms for mor~itnriilq ar t11:illy makc a dt?tcminat?on [~n charitable event" and nat to continuous compliance. No change was mailo \>:ised Indian lanrlsj and Fails !n provide a gamins nt class Ill gaming. on this su~qestinn.The Commission process For such d~tnrrninatinn. anticipates that the threepear rennwal Furt!lermore, the regulatiofis as Comm~ntRe-wrding gF 55g.d-lf'h~n pracess fnr fncilitv 1ir:ensin: will enstlrp ptnpnsec! apply only ta new facilities must o trihp submit a copv of a facilify that a system for ongoing monitoring is whrn !he same ndcs need to be applied Iicense to th~Choiman? in lace. to xis sting !'rlciliti~s. One comment- requested additional 8ne mrnrnenter mrnrnendod that Tile Commission did not intend. lawpage that requires notification ta clarification is needed in 5 559.5{a)[3] to unrh tl~esemlpq, tn d~nlePnpa broad surrorlnding local aid statc determine wl~etherthe rqylation prncram for making Indian !ands gnvmnmental entities. intenrEs for the er~titvor fhing which the r!ccl