Title
6 - Intergovernmental Rules and Regulations
Chapter 6-1 - Enrollment Ordinance
§ 6-1-1
Definitions
(a) "NPTEC"
means the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
(b) "Enrollment
Committee" means that Committee or Sub-committee of NPTEC assigned responsibility
for overseeing Nez Perce Tribal membership procedures.
§ 6-1-2 Enrollment Application Procedures
(a) Applications
for enrollment of children who are at least one fourth (1/4) degree
Nez Perce Indian ancestry born to a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, filed
with the Enrollment Committee within eighteen (18) years after birth
shall include all information required on attachments (A), (B), (C)
and (D).
(b) Applications
for enrollment through adoption of persons who are at least one-fourth
(1/4) degree Nez Perce Indian ancestry, filed with the Enrollment Committee,
shall include all information as required on attachments (A), (B), (C)
and (D).
(c) No
person shall be eligible for membership by adoption into the Nez Perce
Tribe who:
(1) previously
relinquished membership in the Nez Perce Tribe. Persons who were minors
at time of relinquishment of their membership by their parents may
be granted special consideration;
(2) is
enrolled or an enrolled member of another tribe or band;
(3) applies
for adoption for the sole purpose of obtaining financial benefits
from the tribe;
(4) whose
biological mother or father was not an enrolled member of the Nez
Perce Tribe.
(d) Any
person who has heretofore been a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and who
relinquished his membership and is enrolled in another tribe under conditions
that do not permit him to share in any benefits or any judgment claims
recovered by that tribe shall be entitled to re-enroll in the Nez Perce
Tribe without regard to the limitations contained in (c) of this section.
The application shall contain written documentation, submitted under
oath, that the conditions are in fact true.
(e) Any
person re-enrolled under (d) of this section shall be re-enrolled subsequent
to the effective date of this chapter and shall not be entitled to any
benefits distributed to members of the Nez Perce Tribe prior to that
date.
(f) Applications
may be submitted by the person requesting enrollment, his parents, guardian
or next of kin.
(g) Enrollment
into membership in the Nez Perce Tribe shall not be a matter of right
but a matter of privilege and the determination of NPTEC of an applicant's
qualifications for enrollment pursuant to this chapter shall be final.
§ 6-1-3 Application Processing
(a) The
Enrollment Committee shall meet at regular intervals as designated by
NPTEC to consider all applications for enrollment into membership of
the Nez Perce Tribe. If at any time the Enrollment Committee feels that
additional information is required, the applicant will be requested
to provide such information and/or appear before the Enrollment Committee
for a personal informal interview.
(b) After
its consideration the Enrollment Committee shall prepare and submit
a written recommendation to NPTEC recommending either accepting the
applicant for enrollment or rejection of the application. The recommendation
shall state when the application will be considered by NPTEC and describe
the rights of the applicant and other interested tribal members to object
to the recommendation of the Enrollment Committee. One copy shall be
forwarded to the applicant by certified mail and copies shall be posted
on the bulletin boards in front of the Tribal Office, the tribal community
buildings in Lapwai and Kamiah, the Northern Idaho Agency and the North
Idaho Indian Health Service Unit for a period of sixty (60) days.
(c) If
no protest has been filed to the Enrollment Committees recommendation
and NPTEC agrees with the recommendation, it shall at the designated
meeting or at its next regularly scheduled meeting following the expiration
of sixty (60) days from the date of posting, order the enrollment of
the applicant.
(d) If
the Enrollment Committee recommends the enrollment of a person, any
member of the Nez Perce Tribe may, within forty five (45) days from
the date of posting, file an official protest with NPTEC stating the
reasons for believing that the applicant is not entitled to enrollment.
(e) If
the Enrollment Committee recommends against enrollment of a person,
the applicant may, within forty five (45) days of receipt of the notice,
file a protest with NPTEC.
(f) If
NPTEC, by a majority vote, rejects the recommendation of the Enrollment
Committee or a protest has been filed, NPTEC shall schedule the case
for a hearing as follows:
(1) provide
the applicant and/or any other interested parties not less than twenty
(20) days advance notice of the time, date and location of the scheduled
hearing;
(2) allow
all parties to the hearing a full opportunity to present any and all
relevant evidence to the case;
(3) upon
completion of the hearing NPTEC shall render its decision on the enrollment
application and promptly notify all parties concerned with the case;
(4) the
decision of NPTEC shall be considered final.
§ 6-1-4 Determination of Blood Quantum or Degree
(a) Anytime
a child or a person who applies for enrollment with the Nez Perce Tribe
but was born out of wedlock, specifically meaning that the alleged father
and mother were not legally married under the laws of a state or tribe,
the applicant's eligibility for enrollment shall be determined only
by the blood quantum or degree of Nez Perce blood of the applicant's
mother. Provided however:
(1) that
if the parents of such person applying for enrollment were domiciled
outside the State of Idaho and were living in such a relationship
that a valid common-law marriage would have formed in Idaho but for
their domicile, then such common-law marriage shall be deemed to have
existed for enrollment purposes and the blood quantum or degree of
Nez Perce blood of the applicant's father shall also be used in determining
the eligibility of the applicant;
(2) that
if proceedings for filiation under the paternity or bastardy laws
of the State of Idaho, another state, or other tribal laws of proper
jurisdiction have adjudicated the putative father to be the natural
father, then the blood quantum or degree of Nez Perce blood of the
applicant's father shall also be used in determining the eligibility
of the applicant;
(3) that
if a child is born out of wedlock and the putative father submits
to the Enrollment Committee a sworn written statement, duly acknowledged
under oath, acknowledging such child as his own child, then the blood
quantum or degree of Nez Perce blood of the applicant's father shall
also be used in determining the eligibility of the applicant;
(4) that
if the parents of an applicant for enrollment were not married either
at the child's conception or at its birth, then a subsequent intermarriage
of the parents will legitimize the child;
(5) that
any child of a marriage which was valid or apparently valid in its
inception which is subsequently found by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be void or voidable shall be deemed legitimate;
(6) that
any child conceived at a time when the natural mother was married
in any of the ways herein above specified shall be presumed to be
the natural child of the mother's spouse, which presumption may be
rebutted by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary.
§ 6-1-5 Termination of Enrollment
(a) If
at any time the Enrollment Committee has reason to believe that a person
was enrolled into membership in the Nez Perce Tribe upon false, fraudulent
or erroneous evidence, and without meeting the eligibility requirements
for enrollment, it shall file a written "Request for Determination of
Eligibility" with NPTEC. The request shall:
(1) include
the full name and address of the tribal member in question;
(2) state
the reasons why the enrolled members eligibility for membership in
the Nez Perce Tribe is questioned;
(3) contain
any other details deemed pertinent to the case; and
(4) call
for a public hearing to determine whether or not the enrolled member's
membership in the Nez Perce Tribe should be voided.
(b) Upon
receipt of the "Request for Determination of Eligibility" NPTEC shall,
at least thirty (30) days prior to such hearing, serve written notice
entitled "Notice of Proceedings" upon the enrolled member whose eligibility
for membership in the Nez Perce Tribe is questioned, or in the event
the enrolled member is a minor, the notice shall be served upon his
parents, guardian or next of kin. The Notice of Proceedings shall:
(1) include
a copy of the Enrollment Committees "Request for Determination of
Eligibility";
(2) fix
the time, date and location of the hearing;
(3) advise
the member in question that, although not required to do so, he may
examine the evidence or witnesses offered in support of the "Request
for Determination of Eligibility" or offer evidence and/or witnesses
in his behalf as to any matter alleged in the complaint; and
(4) be
sent to all persons entitled thereto by certified mail, return receipt
requested with postage thereon fully prepaid, addressed to such persons
at their last known address. Evidence concerning the service of the
notice shall be kept by NPTEC and become a part of the record of proceedings.
(c) At
the appointed time, date and location as contained in the "Notice of
Proceedings" NPTEC shall:
(1) provided
a quorum is present, conduct the public hearing as called for. However,
in the interest of justice, the hearing may be continued to a later
date at the request of the member in question;
(2) allow
the enrolled member in question to appear and testify, submit oral
and documentary evidence, as well as present witnesses in his behalf
to support his enrollment in the Nez Perce Tribe;
(3) consider
all evidence pertaining to matters contained in the "Request for Determination
of Eligibility" and determine the relevancy, weight and sufficiency
of such evidence;
(4) determine
whether or not the enrolled member whose membership in the Nez Perce
Tribe is questioned, meets all of the qualifications for enrollment
into membership in the Nez Perce Tribe; and
(5) Prepare
written findings of fact with regard to the issues determined.
(d) At
the conclusion of the hearing NPTEC shall:
(1) if
it finds from the evidence and testimony submitted that the enrollment
was valid, issue a written order signed by the chairman and secretary
setting forth its determination that the enrolled member whose eligibility
for membership into the Nez Perce Tribe was questioned, was properly
enrolled into membership;
(2) if
it finds from the preponderance of the evidence submitted, that the
enrollee was enrolled into membership in the Nez Perce Tribe upon
false, fraudulent or erroneous evidence, and did not meet the requirements
for enrollment, it shall issue a written order signed by the chairman
and secretary declaring the enrolled member's membership in the Nez
Perce Tribe null and void and of no effect;
(3) promptly
after making its written findings and order, cause a written copy
thereof to be served upon the enrolled member whose eligibility for
membership in the Nez Perce Tribe was determined;
(e) The
decision of NPTEC on a Request for Determination of Eligibility shall
be considered final.
§ 6-1-6 Voluntary Relinquishment of Enrollment
Enrolled
tribal members who apply for relinquishment shall receive by certified
mail notification of the following:
(a) that
such application for relinquishment does not entitle them to re-enrollment
with the Nez Perce Tribe. Persons who were minors at the time of relinquishment
may be granted special consideration;
(b) the
applicant must surrender all tribal membership card(s) issued to such
person;
(c) the
applicant, upon acceptance of relinquishment, is no longer entitled
to exercise any of the treaty rights in hunting, fishing, gathering
or use of usual and accustomed places as reserved under the treaties
between the U.S. Government and the Nez Perce Tribe. Notification
of relinquishment shall be sent to the Nez Perce Tribal Police and
tribal conservation officers; and
(d) the
applicant must certify that they owe no debts to the Nez Perce Tribe
or any of its programs, enterprises, or authorities. If such debt
does exist, the applicant must provide a secured repayment plan prior
to acceptance for relinquishment.
§ 6-1-7 Enrollment Records
(a) The
proper administration of the official enrollment records of the Nez
Perce Tribe shall be maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as directed
by the official actions of NPTEC.
(b) Anytime
a correction to the records is deemed necessary due to an error of omission,
misprint or other similar action not necessarily the fault of the enrollee
the correction shall be ordered by the Enrollment Committee.
(c) Anytime
a change to the records is deemed necessary due to a change in an enrollee's
status the enrollee shall provide the Enrollment Committee with:
(1) a
copy of the official document that effected the name change. (Marriage
license, corrected birth certificate, court order, etc.);
(2) a
copy of the official document that shows the correct birth date. (Birth
certificate, baptismal record, etc.);
(3) a
notarized copy of the official family tree record on file with the
Bureau of Indian Affairs and any other document that will support
the request;
(4) appropriate
documentation that will support the request.
(d) Upon
receipt of any change requests under (c) of this section the Enrollment
Committee shall promptly review the request and submit its recommendation
to NPTEC for official action.
§ 6-1-8 Resolutions
All official
actions of NPTEC relating to enrollment shall be by resolution.
§ 6-1-9 Enrollment Cards; Certification of Indian Blood
(a) Any
person who is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe may obtain an
enrollment car certifying that such individual is a member of the tribe
and is entitled to all the privileges guaranteed under the Nez Perce
Treaty of 1855.
(b) All
applications and other forms to be used in issuing an enrollment card
shall be obtained at the Nez Perce Tribal Office in Lapwai. Any person
wishing to obtain a tribal enrollment card may apply in person at the
Tribal Office or, if feasible, by mail. The completed application form
shall include the applicant's full name, address, date of birth, sex,
height, weight, eye color, hair color and enrollment number. If the
application is conducted by mail, the applicant shall submit the following
to the Enrollment Card staff at the Tribal Office:
(1) a
completed application;
(2) a
1&1/4 inch by 1&1/4 inch picture taken at the nearest BIA
office; and
(3) a
completed picture certification form obtained from the Nez Perce Tribal
Office which contains:
(A)
the applicant's current name and address; and
(B)
a signature of an authorized staff person of the BIA office where
the applicant's picture was taken certifying that:
(i)
the applicant presented him with two pieces of reliable identification
which include a picture and current name and address as proof
of identity at the time the form was signed; and
(ii)
to the best of his knowledge, the picture accurately represents
the individual whose name and address is on the picture certification
form; and
(iii)
after development, he witnessed the placement of the picture taken
at the BIA office into an envelope with the other application
materials and the sealing of the envelope; and
(iv)
the envelope was left with the BIA office to be mailed to the
tribe.
(c) Once
an application has been received by the Tribal Office, NPTEC staff shall
check to see that all of the application materials have been submitted
and if so, confirm that the applicant is actually an enrolled member
by looking up the applicant's name on the enrollment lists. Applicants
shall not receive an enrollment card until they have submitted all of
the application materials and their enrollment has been verified.
(d) Once
all application materials have been received and enrollment has been
verified, NPTEC staff shall unless one has already been collected and
produce an enrollment card for the applicant using the information provided
in the application and the applicant's picture. The card shall be hand
delivered to the applicant or mailed using the address provided by the
applicant.
(e) If
an applicant for a Nez Perce Tribe enrollment card does not live in
the vicinity of the Nez Perce Tribal Office, a local BIA office is unavailable
or the local BIA office for what ever reason is unable or unwilling
to assist the applicant in certifying his picture, the applicant may
obtain a written Certification of Indian Blood (C.I.B.) from the Nez
Perce Tribal Office until such time as it is feasible to obtain picture
certification. The C.I.B. form shall provide the name and address of
the tribal member, that the individual is a member of the Nez Perce
Tribe and the individual's amount of Nez Perce Tribe blood quantum.
(f) A C.I.B.
shall be obtained by submitting a written request to the Nez Perce Tribal
Office which shall include the reason a C.I.B is requested and the requester's
current name and address. Once a request for a C.I.B. is received at
the Tribal Office, the requester's enrollment status shall be verified.
Upon verification, if the requester is an enrolled tribal member than
he shall be sent a C.I.B. using the address provided.
Chapter 6-2 - Gaming Ordinance
(revisions
adopted by NPTEC 6/12-13/01 and approved by NIGC 6/27/01)
GAMING
COMMISSION
§ 6-2-1
Definitions
For purposes
of this chapter:
(a) "Act"
means the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Pub. L. 100-497, 25
U.S.C. §§ 2701 et seq. and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1166-68.
(b) "Bingo"
means a game, whether or not electronic, computer, or other technological
aids are used in connection therewith
(1)
which is played for prizes, including monetary prizes with cards
bearing numbers or other designations;
(2)
in which the holder of the card covers such numbers or designations
when objects, similarly numbered or designated, are drawn or electronically
determined; and
(3)
in which the game is won by the first person covering a previously
designated arrangement of numbers or designations on such cards,
including (if played in same location) pull-tabs, lotto, punch cards,
tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo.
(c) "Class
III gaming" means that type of gaming defined in Section 4(8) of the
Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2703(8).
(d) "Commission"
or "Gaming Commission" means the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission,
the single tribal agency primarily responsible for regulatory oversight
of Class III gaming as authorized under the Nez Perce 1995 Class III
Gaming Compact.
(e) "Fishing
Derby" means a fishing contest, with or without the payment or given
of any entry fee or other consideration by some or all of the contestants
wherein prizes are awarded for the species, size, weight or quality
of fish caught in a bona fide fishing or recreational event.
(f) "Fund
raising event" means a fund raising event sponsored by a bona fide
religious, charitable or nonprofit organization at which gaming activities
will be conducted under the authority and regulation of the Nez Perce
Tribal Gaming Commission. Gaming as authorized under this section
may be allowed provided that sixty percent of the net income from
such events shall be devoted solely to lawful purpose of the Nez Perce
Tribe and provided that the tribal or BIA law enforcement agency shall
be notified as to the time and place where such activity shall be
conducted.
(g) "Gaming"
means those activities defined in §6-2-7, §6-2-8 and § 6-2-9.
(h) "Gaming
area" means the area where Class II or Class III gaming occurs. This
does not include cage, soft count, showroom, food and beverage, parking
lots, delivery areas, hotels, warehouses, money areas or gift shops.
(i) "Gaming
code" means the laws, rules and regulations adopted by the Tribe as
amended from time to time governing gaming activities at Tribal gaming
facilities, and any other gaming operations conducted within the boundaries
of the Nez Perce Reservation.
(j) "Gaming
employee" means any natural person employed in the operation or management
of the gaming operation, whether employed by the Tribe or by any enterprise
providing onsite services to the Tribe within the gaming facility,
excluding persons providing maintenance, janitorial or other such
ancillary non-gaming services such as food service employees. For
purposes of this chapter, "gaming employee" shall include any employee
whose duties include the handling of cash generated from Class II
or Class III gaming activities.
(k) "Gaming
facility" or "gaming facilities" means all buildings, improvements
and facilities used or maintained in connection with the conduct of
gaming whether or not authorized by the Nez Perce Tribe.
(l) "Gaming
operation" means any gaming enterprise whether or not authorized by
the Tribe on Indian lands for the conduct of gaming.
(m) "Governor"
means the Governor of the State of Idaho.
(n) "Indian
lands" means Indian lands as defined in the Act, as well as lands
within the State which meet the requirements of 25 U.S.C. § 2719.
(o) "Key
employee" means a person who performs one or more of the following
functions:
(1)
bingo caller; or
(2)
counting room supervisor; or
(3)
chief of security; or
(4)
custodian of gaming supplies or cash; or
(5)
floor manager; or
(6)
pit boss; or
(7)
dealer; or
(8)
croupier; or
(9)
approver of credit; or
(10)
custodian of gambling devices including persons with access to cash
and the accounting records within such devices; or
(11)
any other person whose total cash compensation is in excess of $50,000.00
per year; or
(12)
the four most highly compensated persons in the gaming operation.
(p) "License"
and variations of that word such as licenses and licensed, unless
otherwise defined herein and as indicated by the context, means either:
(1)
the authority granted by the Nez Perce Tribe to engage in gaming
under this Act as evidenced by a formal document executed by tribal
officials, or
(2)
the formal document evidencing authority granted by the Nez Perce
Tribe to engage in gaming under this Act.
(q) "Licensee"
means a person, organization or entity authorized by the Nez Perce
Tribe pursuant to this Act to operate a gaming activity on the Nez
Perce Reservation.
(r) "Management
Contract" means a contract for the development and management of a
Class III gaming operation, as provided in Article 9 of the Nez Perce
1995 Class III Gaming Compact with the State of Idaho, and approved
pursuant to the Act.
(s) "Management
Contractor" means any person, corporation or entity that enters into
a development and management contract with the Tribe pursuant to Article
9 of the Nez Perce 1995 Class III Gaming Compact.
(t) "Net
revenue" means gross gaming receipts of a gaming operation minus amounts
paid out as, or paid for, prizes; and total gaming-related operating
expenses, excluding management fees.
(u) "NIGC"
means the National Indian Gaming Commission.
(v) "NPTEC"
means the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, which is the governing
body of the Nez Perce Tribe.
(w) "Operator"
means any person, organization or entity that operates any gaming
activity that is subject to regulation under this Ordinance, on the
Nez Perce Reservation.
(x) "Pari-mutual
betting" means a system of wagering on a live race whereby the winners
divide the total amount wagered, in proportion to the amount individually
wagered after deducting commissions, fees and taxes. For purposes
of this Ordinance wagering on live races is authorized if it occurs
either at a racetrack or on Indian lands by means of a simulcast of
a live race and is approved by the Commission.
(y) "Player"
means a natural person who engages, on equal terms with the other
participants, and solely as a contestant or better, in any form of
gaming in which no person may receive or become entitled to receive
any profit therefrom other then personal gambling winnings, and without
otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment,
conduct or operation of a particular gaming activity.
(z) "Primary
management official" means:
(1)
the person having management responsibility for a management contract;
or
(2)
any person who has authority to hire and fire employees or to set
up working policy for the gaming operation; or
(3)
the chief financial officer; or
(4)
other person who has financial management responsibility.
(aa)
"Regulations" means the gaming regulations promulgated by the Nez
Perce Tribe pursuant to this chapter.
(ab)
"Simulcast" means a simultaneous telecast of a live race, including
horses, dogs, mules and any other race contest of a species legal
in this jurisdiction.
(ac)
"State" means the State of Idaho, its authorized officials, agents
and representatives.
(ad)
"State gaming agency" means the Idaho State Lottery or any other agency
designated by the State of Idaho to coordinate Class III gaming.
(ae)
"State Lottery" means:
(1)
Any type of game that the State hereafter conducts as a lottery
game.
(af)
"Thing of value" means any money or property, any token, object or
article exchangeable for money or property, or any form of credit
or promise, directly or indirectly, contemplating transfer of money
or property or any interest therein.
(ag)
"Track" means an in-state or out-of-state facility licensed to operate
horse or other racing where pari-mutuel wagering on races is conducted.
(ah)
"Tribal law enforcement agency" means the police force of the Tribe,
established and maintained by the Tribe, pursuant to the Tribe's powers
of self-government, to carry out law enforcement on Indian lands,
including the law enforcement program maintained by the Bureau of
Indian Affairs on the Nez Perce Reservation.
(ai)
"Tribe" means the Nez Perce Tribe its authorized officials, agents
and representatives..
§ 6-2-2 Purpose
This ordinance
is enacted to:
(a) Regulate
all forms of permissible and authorized gaming within the jurisdiction
of the Nez Perce Tribe.
(b) Safeguard
all persons from unscrupulous and illegal operations of any type of
gaming.
(c) Protect
all persons from any infiltration of organized crime into any gaming
operation within the jurisdiction.
(d) Provide
for tribal audit system on all gaming operations.
(e) Provide
that the Tribe will have primary regulatory authority over all forms
of gaming on the Nez Perce Reservation subject only to applicable
federal law.
(f) Provide
for system of investigations of all persons associated with gaming.
(g) Provide
a system of licensing for any gaming activities subject to the provisions
of this Act that occur within the Nez Perce Reservation.
(h) To
provide revenues for the operation of the tribal government.
(i) To
allow the tribal government to use the revenues generated for tribal
self determination, to generate value on the reservation, to provide
additional tribal services, employment for tribal members and for
general economic development and individual self-sufficiency of tribal
members.
(j) To
harmonize with and adhere as much as possible to the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, Public Law 100-497, 102 Stat. 2467-88. 25 U.S.C. §§
2701 et seq. as enacted by the US Congress on October 17, 1988.
(k) To
cooperate and agree on a sovereign to sovereign basis with the State
of Idaho and any other concerned or affected states to enter into
compacts or other agreements for gaming operation, regulation or coordination.
(l) To
establish a commission within the tribal organization to oversee and
regulate gaming consistent with this ordinance and within the precepts
established by the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
§ 6-2-3 Ownership of Gaming and Use of Gaming Revenue
(a) The
Tribe shall have the sole proprietary interest in and responsibility
for the conduct of any gaming operation authorized by this ordinance,
unless individually owned gaming is approved and licensed under this
ordinance.
(1) In
order to be licensed by the Nez Perce Tribe, individual owners, in
addition to the requirements of this ordinance, shall also be required
to:
(i)
Pay to the Nez Perce Tribe not less than 60 percent of the individually
owned operation's net revenues, to be used only for the purposes
set forth below;
(ii)
Pay an assessment to the National Indian Gaming Commission as set
forth in 25 CFR § 514.1;
(iii)
Comply with eligibility standards of a State license for the same
activity, so that if the individual is ineligible to receive a State
license to conduct the same activity within that jurisdiction, a
tribal license shall be denied.
(b) Net
revenues from tribal gaming or from individually owned games shall be
used only for one or more of the following purposes:
(1) To
fund tribal government operations or programs;
(2) To
provide for the general welfare of the tribe and its members;
(3) To
promote tribal economic development;
(4) To
donate to charitable organizations; or
(5) To
help fund operations of local government agencies.
(c) If
the Tribe elects to make per capita payments to tribal members, it shall
authorize such payments only upon approval of a plan submitted to the
Secretary of the Interior under 25 U.S.C. § 2710(b)(3).
(d) The
Nez Perce Tribe hereby specifically reserves, through its inherent power,
the full right and authority to adopt or impose a uniform and comprehensive
system of revenue, taxation and licensing relating to gaming allowed
by this ordinance.
§ 6-2-4 Severability
If any
clause, provision or section of this ordinance shall be ruled invalid
or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction by final order
after all appellate jurisdiction is exhausted, such holding shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable any other remaining provisions of
this ordinance. Until such final order is entered and review exhausted,
the questioned provisions shall be absent and enforceable injunction
to the contrary, in full force and effect.
§ 6-2-5 Amendment
Except
as provided in § 6-2-13(m), all powers of amendment are retained by
the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
§ 6-2-6 Sovereignty
The Nez
Perce Tribal Executive Committee acting for the Nez Perce Tribe by this
enactment, does expressly retain and does not in any way waive its right
of sovereignty as expressed in treaties, laws or in any other manner.
AUTHORIZED GAMBLING ACTIVITIES
§ 6-2-7
Class I Gaming
Class
I gaming is defined as social games solely for prize of minimal value
or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as part
of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations.
(a) Class
I gaming may be engaged in by individuals and organizations without
restriction and is not subject to the provisions of this Act.
§ 6-2-8 Class II Gaming
Class
II gaming is defined as:
(a) The
game of chance commonly known as bingo (whether or not electronic,
computer, or other technological aids are used in connection therewith)
(1)
which is played for prizes, including monetary prizes, with cards
bearing numbers or other designations;
(2)
in which the holder of the card covers such numbers or designations
with objects, similarly numbered or designated, which are drawn
or electronically determined; and
(3)
in which the game is won by the first person covering a previously
designated arrangement of numbers or designations on such cards,
including, (if played in the same location) pull-tabs, lotto, punch
boards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo;
and
(b) Card
games that:
(1)
are explicitly authorized by the laws of the State of Idaho, or
(2)
are not explicitly prohibited by the laws of the State of Idaho
and are played at any location in the State, but only if such card
games are played in conformity with those laws and regulations (if
any) of the State regarding hours or periods of operation of such
card games or limitations on wagers or pot sizes in such card games.
(c) The
Nez Perce Tribe may engage in Class II gaming as an operator without
the necessity of a license under this Act but shall comply with other
applicable provisions of this Act.
(d) Until
this Act is amended by appropriate action of the Nez Perce Tribal
Executive Committee in a manner consistent with the relevant provisions
of the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et
seq., the Nez Perce Tribe shall be the only entity or organization
authorized to engage in gaming activities on the Nez Perce Reservation
for profit to the exclusion of any other entity, organization or person.
The Nez Perce Tribe may conduct or license gaming activities on behalf
of a bona fide charitable, religious and non-profit organizations
subject to regulations promulgated by the Commission on this topic
and the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et
seq.
§ 6-2-9 Class III Gaming
(a) Class
III gaming means all forms of gaming that are not Class I or Class II
gaming.
(b) No
person, entity, corporation, organization or government, except the
Nez Perce Tribe, shall authorize or conduct any form of Class III gaming
within the Nez Perce Reservation unless such gaming is consistent with:
(1) the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act;
(2) a
Tribal-State compact for Class III gaming; and
(3) is
licensed by the Nez Perce Tribe.
(c) The
Nez Perce Tribe shall enact rules and regulations regarding licensing
of Class III games which shall be consistent with the provisions of
the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the laws of the Nez Perce Tribe.
(d) Any
person, entity, corporation, organization or government that conducts
Class III gaming within the Nez Perce Reservation or that purports to
authorize such gaming in violation of the laws or regulations of the
Nez Perce Tribe commits a civil infraction.
(e) Any
person, entity, corporation, organization or government found to have
committed a civil infraction by failing to comply with the laws of the
Nez Perce Tribe shall be subject to a civil fine in addition to other
legal and equitable remedies available in civil cases.
(f) The
Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee hereby reserves the right to later
enact authorization of Class III gaming as defined herein upon proper
compliance with the Class III gaming requirements of the National Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et seq.
§ 6-2-10 Gaming Prohibited
All gaming
activities not authorized by this Act, including, but not limited to,
those activities commonly known as bookmaking, betting, card parlors,
bunco or confidence games, pyramid clubs or schemes, chain letters and
three card monte, are unlawful and prohibited.
§ 6-2-11 Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission Established
(a) The
Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission (the "Commission") shall consist
of three individuals appointed by the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
(b) Each
Commissioner shall serve for a term of three (3) years, with the term
beginning on January 1 of the year of the appointment and ending on
December 31 of the third year; except that for the initial group of
Commissioners, one position will be for a term of three (3) years, one
position will be for a term of two (2) years and one position will be
for a term of one (1) year allowing for a staggered term process thereafter.
(c) Commission
members shall serve beyond their term only in the event that NPTEC fails
to promptly make appointments for the subsequent year. Upon the appointments
for the following year, the prior year's appointments shall expire.
(d) Commission
positions vacated prior to the end of the term shall be promptly filled
by NPTEC so that a full Commission may serve on a continual basis. However,
a temporary vacancy on the Commission shall not mean the Commission
will be non-functional, since business can be conducted with a minimum
of two members being present.
(e) The
Commission shall elect among themselves a President, Vice President
and Secretary-Treasurer. Elections shall be conducted each year, within
two weeks after NPTEC appointments are made.
§ 6-2-12 Powers and Duties of the Commission and of the Nez Perce Tribal
Executive Committee with Regard to the Commission Hours, Compensation
and Removal
(a) The
Commission shall:
(1) Oversee
and regulate the gambling activities authorized by this chapter. Such
power includes the power to inspect premises.
(2) Safeguard
and regulate by civil fines and other actions as specified in § 6-2-5
of this chapter.
(3) Issue
licenses when such are required by this chapter, and in accordance
with § 6-2-16 through § 6-2-22 of this chapter.
(4) Deny
or revoke such license when the results of a thorough and objective
investigation by the NPTGC indicates that such action is appropriate
and/or in accordance with § 6-2-23 through § 6-2-25 of this chapter.
(5) Formulate
and promulgate rules and regulations which shall govern in detail
the issuance of licenses, the amount of the license fee, and the revocation
of licenses.
(6) Insure
the proper record keeping of gambling proceeds of the Nez Perce Tribe
Gaming Enterprise, gaming licenses and anyone whose gambling activities
subject him to the provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, CFR Title 12,
Banks and Banking or CFR Title 21, Money and Finance, or any other
applicable requirement of the Internal Revenue Service.
(7) Cause
a review of the appropriate records of gaming licensees of the Nez
Perce Tribe at least annually. Appropriate records are those directly
related to determining a licensee's suitability to hold a gaming license.
(8) Cause
annual outside audits as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory
Act, of all gaming activities on the Nez Perce Reservation to be conducted
and submitted to the National Indian Gaming Commission specifically
including all contracts for supplies, services or concessions having
a contract amount in excess of $25,000.00 per annum or in any 12 month
period.
(9) Insure
that facilities where gaming occurs are properly constructed and maintained
and that the operation of the game is conducted in a manner which
adequately protects the environment and the public health and safety.
(10)
Cause to be conducted background investigation and suitability determinations
of potential gaming employees as required by the National Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.
(b) It
shall be the responsibility of the NPTEC to set the maximum hours (not
to exceed 40 hours per week) and hourly compensation for the Gaming
Commission.
(c) Any
Gaming Commission member may be removed by NPTEC for cause, including
neglect of duty, failure to recuse oneself in cases of conflicts of
interest, gross misconduct or failure to attend more than on half of
the regular commission meetings, or for any offense listed in § 4-1-93
through § 4-1-111, inclusive of the Nez Perce Tribal Code.
GAMING OPERATIONS
§6-2-13
General Gaming Operations Requirements
(a) Each
gaming employee or operator including owners of an operating entity
as defined in (o) of this section, prior to beginning work, shall be
required to be licensed, at least on a temporary or conditional basis
as provided for in this chapter, by the Nez Perce Tribe Gaming Commission
and shall be required to apply to the Commission for a determination
that he:
(1) has
not been convicted of an offense related to gambling, fraud, misrepresentation
or deception, drugs or a felony;
(2) has
no prior activities, reputation, habits, or associations affecting
his present conduct that would pose a threat to the effective regulation
and control of gaming, or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair
or illegal practices, methods or activities, in the conduct of gaming;
and
(3) has
no present interest in the conduct of any gaming business.
(b) The
determination shall be confidential unless otherwise required for purposes
of the tribal Personnel, Policies and Procedures or the requirements
of federal law or regulation.
(c) The
Gaming Commission is also subject to periodic background investigations,
at the discretion of NPTEC, and by the full NPTEC, based on any findings
brought to the attention of NPTEC by the Internal Auditor or Background
Investigator.
(d) The
employee or contractor shall follow the application procedure for licenses
described herein, provided that, no notice shall be published, and no
public hearing shall be held. No employee may accept any gift or thing
of value from a gaming contractor.
(e) In
addition to any provisions of the tribal Personnel, Policies and Procedures
which may be applicable, any employee or operator shall be required
to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, the provisions of his
contract with the Tribe, if any, and the provisions of applicable federal
law.
(f) Any
entity which contracts with a tribal gaming operation, shall be required
to submit to a determination as required in (a) of this section. No
such contract will be valid until it is approved by the Commission and
the Secretary of the Interior as is necessary under federal law.
(g) Tribally
operated gaming shall be held in compliance with this ordinance, and
any other applicable laws, rules and regulations..
(h) Operators,
or employees in charge of tribally operated gaming shall provide required
reports, audits and the results of any contract for service or supplies
at least quarterly or when required.
(i) Any
operator or employee of the tribal gaming operation shall deposit the
proceeds of the gaming operation according to applicable federal and
tribal law.
(j) Any
operator or employee may request the assistance of the Commission in
obtaining training or instruction for the benefit of the tribal gaming
operation as well as in determining the proper meaning of this ordinance.
(k) The
Commission may require that any operator or employee of a tribal gaming
operation be bonded in a particular amount. The Gaming Enterprise will
pay for the bonds of the Tribe's gaming employees; independent contractors
are responsible for the cost of their own bonds.
(l) The
Commission may recommend to the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee
that a particular type of tribal gaming be operated through a management
contract. The management contract must be in compliance with applicable
federal law. The Commission shall require that the proposed operator
comply with the requirements for licenses under this section of the
ordinance. A proposed manager need not be a tribal member. Sole tribal
approval of all management contracts shall remain with the Nez Perce
Tribal Executive Committee.
(m) All
tribal gaming operations are subject to monitoring and inspection by
the Commission or agents of the Commission.
(n) The
Commission shall issue regulations, which will control:
(1) The
possession of firearms by operators or employees. No firearms or weapons
of any kind shall be allowed on gaming premises with the exception
of armed armored car personnel and on-duty law enforcement officers.
(2) The
security requirements for the operations.
(3) The
posting of rules of play.
(4) The
maximum limit, if any, which may be offered as a prize.
(5) Rules
for the conduct of the games, should the Commission deem that such
rules are necessary for the proper conduct of gaming.
(6) Any
other regulations controlling the operation which are deemed necessary
in writing by the Commission or the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
NPTEC shall provide written notice to the Commission, in a reasonably
timely manner before additional regulations which may be required
as the result of amendments or revisions to the Tribe’s gaming compact
take effect.
(o) Any
person authorized by the Commission, an employee or independent contractor,
who has a financial interest other than salary or wages or management
responsibility in the conduct of tribal gaming activities must be licensed
by the Commission including those persons who may serve on the Board
of Directors or other governing body of a corporation, trust, partnership
or other entity or who own ten (10%) or more of the stock of a corporation
or like interest in profits or capital of any other business entity.
(p) Each
affected person covered in (o) above must apply for a license to the
Commission giving the name, social security number and address; previous
gaming experience; any felonies, violations of any kind whatsoever relating
to the gaming, fraud or illegal practices; fingerprints; and any and
all other reasonable requirements as may be determined by the Commission.
(q) The
Commission may after an initial criminal and credit background check
issue a ninety (90) day temporary license.
(r) The
Commission shall determine whether or not to issue a full year license
within ninety (90) days after application. The Commission may issue
a conditional license pending receipt of a response from the National
Indian Gaming Commission pursuant to § 6-2-18 of this chapter.
(s) A license
shall be valid for not more than one year and shall be renewed following
review of a satisfactorily - completed application regarding the applicant’s
activities for the past calendar year and a background investigation,
if necessary, of the applicant’s activities for the past calendar year.
Only when extraordinary circumstances warrant an additional background
investigation shall the Commissioner’s investigation inquire into an
applicant’s activities earlier than the past calendar year.
(t) The
Commission may charge a fee not in excess of $50.00 for each application
of renewal.
(u) NPTEC
has the sole authority to approve the Commission budget.
(v) Members
of the Commission and Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee members are
prohibited from participating in bingo games.
(w) Members
of the Commission and its staff are prohibited from participating in
any gaming sponsored by the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Enterprise.
§ 6-2-14 Inspection of Premises
(a) The
premises where authorized gambling activities are being held shall be
subject to inspection and audit at any reasonable time by persons designated
by the Commission, with or without notice as follows:
(1) if
the items or records to be inspected or audited are located anywhere
upon a premises any portion of which is regularly open to the public
or members and guests, then at any time when the premises are so open,
or at which time they are usually open;
(2) or
if the items or records to be inspected or audited are not located
upon a premises set out in subsection (1) above, then any time between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.
(b) The
Commission shall be provided at such reasonable intervals as the Commission
shall determine with a report, under oath, detailing all receipts and
disbursements in connection with such gambling activities together with
such other reasonable information as required in order to determine
whether such activities comply with this chapter or other applicable
laws, rules or regulations.
KEY EMPLOYEES AND PRIMARY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS
§ 6-2-15
Applications for Key Employee and Primary Management Official Positions
(a) Applications
for key employee and primary management official positions with the
Nez Perce Tribe's gaming enterprises shall be submitted to the Commission.
The Commission shall conduct oral interviews of persons selected as
potential candidates for a particular position. Copies of such applications
and notes from interviews shall be provided to the Nez Perce Tribe's
Investigative Officer.
(b) The
following notice shall be placed on the application form for a key employee
or a primary management official before that form is filled out by an
applicant:
In compliance
with the Privacy Act of 1974, the following information is provided:
Solicitation of the information on this form is authorized by 25 U.S.C.
2701 et seq. The purpose of the requested information is to determine
the eligibility of individuals to be employed in a gaming operation.
The information will be used by National Indian Gaming Commission
members and staff who have need for the information in the performance
of their official duties. The information may be disclosed to appropriate
Federal, Tribal, State, local or foreign law enforcement and regulatory
agencies when relevant to civil, criminal or regulatory investigations
or prosecutions or when pursuant to a requirement by a tribe or the
National Indian Gaming Commission in connection with the hiring or
firing of an employee, the issuance or revocation of a gaming license,
or investigations of activities while associated with a tribe or a
gaming operation. Failure to consent to the disclosures indicated
in this notice will result in a tribe's being unable to hire you in
a primary management official or key employee position.
The disclosure
of your Social Security Number (SSN) is voluntary. However, failure
to supply a SSN may result in errors in processing your application.
(c) Existing
key employees and primary management officials shall be notified in
writing that they shall either:
(1) Complete
a new application form that contains a Privacy Act notice; or
(2) Sign
a statement that contains the Privacy Act notice and consent to the
routine uses described in that notice.
(d) The
following notice shall be placed on the application form for a key employee
or primary management official before that form is filled out by an
applicant.
A false
statement on any part of your application may be grounds for not hiring
you, or for terminating you from employment after you begin work.
Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment. 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
(e) The
Commission shall notify in writing existing key employees and primary
management officials that they shall either:
(1) Complete
a new application form that contains a notice regarding false statements;
or
(2) Sign
a statement that contains the notice regarding false statements.
Background Investigations
§ 6-2-16
Applications - Required Information
(a) The Tribe
shall require, in its initial investigation of each key employee and from
each primary management official all of the following information:
(1) Full
name, other names used (oral or written), social security numbers,
birth date, place of birth, citizenship, gender, all languages (spoken
or written);
(2) Currently
and for the previous ten (10) years: Business and employment positions
held, ownership interests in those businesses, business and residence
addresses, and driver's license numbers;
(3) The
names and current addresses of at least three personal references,
including one personal reference who was acquainted with the applicant
during each period of residence addresses, and drivers license numbers;
(4) Current
business and residence telephone numbers;
(5) A
description of any existing and previous business relationships with
the gaming industry generally, including ownership interests in those
businesses;
(6) The
name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with which
the person has filed an application for a license or permit related
to gaming, whether or not such license or permit was granted; within
the past ten (10) years;
(7) For
each felony for which there is an ongoing prosecution or a conviction,
the charge, the name or address of the Court involved, and the date
and disposition if any;
(8) For each misdemeanor conviction or ongoing misdemeanor prosecution
(excluding minor traffic violations), within 10 years of the date
of the application, the name and address of the Court involved and
the date and disposition;
(9) For
each criminal charge (excluding minor traffic charges), whether or
not there was a conviction, if such criminal charge is within 10 years
of the date of the application and is not otherwise listed pursuant
to paragraph (7) or (8) of this section, the criminal charge, the
name and address of the Court involved and the date and disposition;
(10)
The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with which
the person has filed an application for an occupational license or
permit, whether or not such license or permit was granted;
(11)
A current photograph;
(12)
Any other information the Tribe deems relevant;
(13)
Fingerprints consistent with procedures adopted by the Tribe according
to 25 C.F.R. 522.2(h).
(b) The
Tribe shall conduct an investigation sufficient to make a determination
under § 6-2-19. In conducting a background investigation, the Tribe
or its agent shall promise to keep confidential the identity of each
person interviewed in the course of the investigation.
(c) Unless
extraordinary circumstances apply, the Tribe shall require, for an annual
background investigation of an employee already issued a gaming license,
information regarding only the past 12-month period after the issuance
of the gaming license.
§ 6-2-17 Investigative Procedures for Background Checks
(a) The
Nez Perce Tribe's Investigative Officer shall conduct the initial investigation
by:
(1) Verifying
written or oral information submitted by the applicant;
(2) Inquiring
into the applicant's prior activities, criminal record, if any, and
reputation, habits and associations;
(3) Interviewing
a sufficient number of knowledgeable people such as former employers,
personal references, and others to whom referred; and
(4) Documenting
the disposition of all potential problem areas noted and disqualifying
information obtained.
(b) The
Investigative Officer shall then prepare and submit to the Commission
an investigative report detailing:
(1) Steps
taken in conducting the background investigation; and
(2) Results
obtained;
(c) Fingerprints
of all applicants shall also be taken by the Nez Perce Tribal Police.
Completed fingerprint cards will be returned to the Commission and placed
in the applicants background file.
(1) The
Commission, shall send to the NIGC at 1441 L Street, N.W., 9th Floor,
Washington, D.C., 20005, a list of those persons for whom FBI fingerprint
checks are requested accompanied by a $35.00 check to cover the costs
involved with such inquiry.
(2) Information
obtained from NIGC as a result of the FBI fingerprint check shall
be reviewed only by the Commission and the Tribe's Investigative Officer.
No further dissemination of this information is authorized; and in
fact, the Tribe is subject to the restrictions set forth in an MOU
with NIGC forbidding use of such information for any other purpose.
See NP 95-102.
§ 6-2-18
Eligibility Determination
The Commission
shall meet with the Investigative Officer, make a suitability determination
based on all the information gathered from the various sources set forth
above, including prior activities, criminal record, reputation, habits
and associations, and the information received from NIGC resulting from
the FBI fingerprint check; and submit this determination in written
form to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) for review. If
the Commission determines that employment of the person poses a threat
to the public interest or to the effective regulation of gaming, or
creates or enhances dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices
and methods and activities in the conduct of gaming, a tribal gaming
operation shall not employ that person in a key employee or primary
management position. (If the applicant is not hired and issued a license
by the Tribe, NIGC shall be notified, but submittal of the determination
and report shall be at the discretion of the Commission.) The report
to NIGC shall also contain the information documenting investigative
steps taken by the Investigative Officer, including those set forth
above.
(1) The
report to NIGC shall be sent within 60 days after an employee begins
work with the Tribe. A response from NIGC shall be requested by the
Commission within 30 days of receipt of the Commission's report.
(2) If
the Chairman of NIGC requests additional information from the Commission
regarding any employee who is a subject of a report, such information,
if available shall be forwarded as soon as possible.
(3) When
NIGC notifies the Commission that it has no objections to the issuance
of a license to a particular applicant, the Commission may proceed
with annual licensing of the applicant.
(4) If
NIGC provides the Commission with a statement itemizing objections
to the issuance of a license to a particular applicant, the Commission
must reconsider the application, taking into account the objections
itemized by NIGC. The Commission, may then make a final licensing
decision as to such applicant.
§ 6-2-19 Procedure for Submission of Applications and Reports for National
Indian Gaming Commission Approval
(a) The
Commission shall follow the following procedures when forwarding applications
and reports for key employees and primary management officials to the
National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC):
(1) When
a key employee or primary management official begins work at a gaming
operation authorized by this ordinance, the Tribe shall forward to
the NIGC a completed application for employment and conduct the background
investigation and make the determination referred to in §6-2-18 above.
(2) The
Commission shall forward the report referred to in (b) of this section
to the NIGC within 60 days after an employee begins work or within
60 days of the approval of this ordinance by the Chairman of the NIGC.
(3) The
gaming operation shall not employ as a key employee or a primary management
official a person who does not have a license after 90 days.
(b) Pursuant
to the procedures set forth in paragraph (a) above, the Commission shall
forward to NIGC an investigative report on each background investigation.
(1) An
investigative report shall include all of the following:
(i)
Steps taken in conducting a background investigation;
(ii)
Results obtained;
(iii)
Conclusions reached; and
(iv)
The basis for those conclusions.
(2) The
Commission shall submit, with the report, a copy of the eligibility
determination made under § 6-2-18.
(3) If
a license is not issued to the applicant by the Tribe, the Commission:
(i)
Shall notify NIGC; and
(ii)
May forward copies of its eligibility determination and investigative
report (if any) to NIGC for inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals
Records System.
(4) With
respect to key employees and primary management officials, the Commission
shall retain application for employment and reports (if any) of background
investigations for inspection by the Chairman of the NIGC or his or
her designee no less than three (3) years from the date of termination
of employment.
§ 6-2-20 Issuance of Gaming Licenses
(a) Response
from National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)
(1) If,
within a thirty (30) day period after the NIGC receives a report,
the NIGC notifies that Tribe that it has no objection to the issuance
of a license by the Commission to the individual for whom the Commission
has provided an application and investigative report to the NIGC,
the Commission may issue a license to such applicant.
(2) The
Commission shall respond to a request for additional information from
the Chairman of the NIGC concerning a key employee or a primary management
official who is the subject of a report. Such a request shall suspend
the 30-day period under the preceding paragraph until the Chairman
of NIGC receives the additional information.
(3) If,
within the thirty (30) day period described above, the NIGC provides
the Tribe with a statement itemizing objections to the issuance of
a license to a key employee or to a primary management official for
whom the Tribe has provided an application and investigative report
to the NIGC, the Tribe shall reconsider the application, taking into
account the objections itemized by the NIGC. The Tribe shall make
the final decision whether to issue a license to such applicant.
§ 6-2-21 License Locations
The Tribe
shall issue a separate license to each place, facility, or location
on Indian lands where any gaming is conducted under this ordinance.
§ 6-2-22 License Suspension
(a) If,
after the issuance of a gaming license by the Commission, the NIGC receives
reliable information indicating that a key employee or a primary management
official is not eligible for employment, NIGC shall notify the Tribe.
(b) Upon
receipt of such notification, the Commission shall suspend such license
and shall notify in writing the licensee of the suspension, proposed
revocation, and their right to request a hearing.
(c) No
less than fourteen (14) days before the time of the hearing, the Commission
shall notify the licensee of a time and a place for a hearing on the
proposed revocation of a license.
(d) The
Commission shall provide, to the licensee, upon his written request,
full disclosure of all information and evidence which has been the basis
for the Commission’s decision to suspend such license.
(e) After
a revocation hearing, the Commission shall decide to revoke or to reinstate
a gaming license. The Commission shall notify NIGC of its decision and
shall notify the person in writing of its decision within fourteen (14)
business days following the hearing as described in § 6-2-24(a) of this
chapter.
(f) If
the person does not receive written notice of decision by registered
mail, return receipt requested or other carrier as evidenced by a return
receipt, as outlined in this chapter within fourteen (14) business days
of the hearing, the person may immediately file notice in the Nez Perce
Tribal Court for an order requiring the Gaming Commission to issue a
temporary license to work pending a rehearing on this matter. The court
may also order the Gaming Commission pay all reasonable attorney fees
and costs and any lost wages incurred by the person as a result of failure
to notify the person of a decision within the allotted time.
§ 6-2-23 Dispute Resolution Process
(a) The
Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission, as established in § 6-2-11 is authorized
to oversee and regulate all gambling activities authorized by this ordinance,
including decision-making authority in regard to any disputes that may
arise by applicants the gaming public. (Section amended by NPTEC
11/13/01)
(b) Any
person having a dispute with the Commission or any Gaming Operator or
Management Company licensed by the Tribe may request that the Gaming
Manager resolve the dispute. If dissatisfied with the result, the person
may request a hearing with the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission. Such
a hearing shall be held within thirty (30) business days of receipt
of a written request from the grievant. A decision shall be issued at
the hearing or within fourteen (14) business days of the hearing.
§ 6-2-24 Appeal from Decisions of the Commission
(a) If
the Commission denies a person a license, or if the Commission revokes
a license which was previously granted, the Commission shall do so in
writing, outlining the reasons for such decision, and deliver such writing
to the person by certified mail, return receipt requested. If a person
considers himself or herself aggrieved by such a decision, he or she
may appeal to the Nez Perce Tribal Court within thirty (30) business
days of the date of the mailing was received by the US Postal Service
or other carrier as evidenced by a dated receipt for same. The appeal
shall be only on the record, and shall not be heard de novo. If the
Court finds that the order of the Commission was issued arbitrarily
and capriciously, clearly erroneously, or in violation of the Constitution
of the Nez Perce Tribe or the constitutional rights of Indians (25 U.S.C.
§§ 1301-1303), made upon unlawful procedure or some other clear error
of law, the Court shall vacate the same and remand the issuance or re-issuance
of a license. Otherwise, the denial shall be upheld.
(b) If
the grievant is dissatisfied with the decision issued by the Nez Perce
Tribal Gaming Commission, he or she may appeal to the Nez Perce Tribal
Court within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the written decision
from the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission. The appeal shall be only
on the record and shall not be heard de novo. If the Court finds that
the order of the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission was issued arbitrarily
and capriciously, clearly erroneously, or in violation of the Constitution
of the Nez Perce Tribe of Indians or the constitutional rights of Indians
(25 U.S.C. §§ 1301-1303), made upon unlawful procedure or some other
clear error of law, the Court shall vacate the same and remand. Otherwise,
the decision of the Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission shall be upheld.
(c) If
the grievant is dissatisfied with the decision issued by the Nez Perce
Tribal Court under either (a) or (b) above, he or she may appeal to
the Nez Perce Court of Appeals in accordance with chapter 2-9 of the
Nez Perce Tribal Code.
§ 6-2-25 Penalties for Violations
(a) Any
person who shall violate any provisions of this ordinance or shall conduct
gambling operations without a required license, shall commit fraud of
deceit, or shall engage in professional gambling, shall be subject to
one or more of the following:
(1)
A letter of warning;
(2) A
letter of reprimand;
(3) A
civil fine of up to a maximum of $500.00 per occurrence per day;
(b) The
Commission may refer violations under this chapter to the Tribal Prosecutor
for possible civil prosecution or exclusion from the Nez Perce Reservation
in conformance with the Nez Perce Tribal Code.
§ 6-2-26 Exclusion of Individuals from Gaming Activities
(a) Any
operator shall have the authority and discretion to exclude from gaming
activities or gaming facilities, any individual who:
(1) Appears
to be under the influence of intoxicants;
(2) Appears
to be losing an unreasonable amount of money at gaming activities;
(3) Appears
to be violating rules or regulations governing gaming activities as
established by the Commission or operator;
(4) By
virtue of his condition or activities, disturbs the peaceful participation
of other individuals in gaming activities or disrupts the orderly
conduct of the gaming activity;
(b) An
operator may make reasonable inquiries of individuals in the course
of determining whether any of the activities defined in paragraph (a)
above are occurring;
(c) An
operator who excludes any individual pursuant to this section shall
not incur any liability, criminal or civil, as a result of doing so.
(d) Any
person who is excluded from gaming by an operator pursuant to this section
may petition the Commission for an order lifting the exclusion. The
Commission shall have full discretion in determining whether to hear
any such petition and shall have the authority to enact such rules as
may be necessary regarding the procedures for acting upon any such petition.
The Commission shall further have discretion to impose such conditions
as they deem appropriate in issuing any order lifting an exclusion.
Chapter 6-3 - Fireworks Ordinance
§ 6-3-1
Title
This Ordinance
may be cited or referred to as "The Fireworks Regulatory Act."
§ 6-3-2 Purpose
The purpose
of this ordinance is to regulate the sale of fireworks upon the Nez
Perce Reservation and provide for the safety of persons and property
by such regulation.
§ 6-3-3 Jurisdiction
This Ordinance
applies to all Indians within the exterior boundaries of the Nez Perce
Reservation.
§ 6-3-4 Definitions
(a) "Common
Fireworks" is defined as devices designed to produce a visible or audible
effect by combustion, deflagration, explosion, or detonation.
(b) "Fireworks
outlet" means each individual fireworks stand operated on trust and
Indian-owned property within the exterior boundaries of the Nez Perce
Reservation.
(c) "Indian-Owned
Lands" shall mean Nez Perce Indian-owned property, both tribal and individual.
(d) "License"
is a permit issued by the Nez Perce Tribe to each fireworks outlet authorizing
the sale of fireworks on trust and Indian-owned property within the
exterior boundaries of the Nez Perce Reservation.
(e) "NPTEC"
shall mean the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.
(f) "Nez
Perce Reservation" shall refer to the reservation created by the Treaty
of 1863.
(g) "Person"
includes any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association,
concern, corporation, estate, trust, business, receiver, syndicate,
or any groups or combination acting as a unit.
(h) "Operator"
is the person responsible for a fireworks business whether the operation
is on the wholesale or retail level.
(i) "Quitclaim
Deed" is a deed that passes on to the buyer all those rights or as much
of a title as a seller actually has. A quitclaim deed does not warrant
(promise) that the seller actually has full title pass on.
(j) "Safe
and Sane Fireworks" shall mean any nonaerial common fireworks such as
ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices or snakes designed
to remain on or near the ground and not to travel outside a fifteen
(15) foot diameter circle or emit sparks or other burning material which
land outside a twenty (20) foot diameter circle or above a height of
twenty (20) feet. Nonaerial common fireworks do not include firecrackers,
jumping jacks, or similar products. (NPTEC authorized correction
of a clerical error in last sentence 6/25/02).
(k) "Trust
Property" shall mean all real property held in trust by the United States
f or the Nez Perce Tribe or its individual members.
§ 6-3-5 Wholesale License
No person
shall transport or sell on the reservation for the purposes of resale
on the reservation or sell on the reservation any fireworks of any nature
unless they are a valid holder of a wholesale license. The fee for the
wholesale license shall be $500.00. Wholesale license applications must
be submitted by the first Friday of June of the year the license is
requested.
(a) The
wholesale license is valid from the date of issuance and shall expire
at the close of the fireworks season, as established heretofore, in
the same calendar year, except that the wholesaler can sell fireworks
seven (7) days prior to the established fireworks selling period of
the retailers..
(b) No
sales of fireworks shall be made pursuant to a wholesale license,
except to a holder of a valid Nez Perce Tribal Fireworks retail license.
(c) Any
person holding a wholesale license shall display the same upon request
to any Tribal or BIA Law Enforcement officer and/ or tribal safety
officer and shall allow such officers to examine and inspect all merchandise
transported for or offered for sale to ascertain conformance with
this ordinance.
(d) Any
individual making application for a wholesale license who has had
a previous license revoked or suspended may be denied a permit absent
written, documented and verifiable assurances that he/she can demonstrate
legal responsibility and protect the safety of the public.
§ 6-3-6 Firework Retail License
No person
shall sell fireworks without applying for a license to sell fireworks
at a fireworks outlet on trust property or Indian owned lands within
the exterior boundaries of the Nez Perce Reservation. Applicants must
be Nez Perce Tribal members and at least 18 years of age. Each fireworks
outlet must be separately licensed. A firework license will not be issued
for property conveyed through quitclaim deeds.
§ 6-3-7 Right to Deny License
The Nez
Perce Tribe reserves the right to deny applications for licenses for
any reason.
§ 6-3-8 Right to Close Fireworks Season
The Nez
Perce Tribe reserves the right to close the season at any time for safety
purposes.
§ 6-3-9 Application
An application
shall be accompanied by a permit fee of $200.00 for the first firework
outlet, and $100.00 for each additional outlet. Temporary permits for
single days or short periods not exceeding five (5) days shall be issued
for $50.00 for each application.
§ 6-3-10 Application Form
(a) Full
name
(b) Enrollment
number
(c) Address
(d) Telephone
number
(e) Location
of the fireworks outlet including the allotment or unit number.
(f) A list
of the types of fireworks to be sold.
(g) Proof
of ownership, or a valid lease agreement in accordance with federal
law if fireworks outlet is located on property other than that of applicant.
Application will require the Superintendent of the BIA-NIA to certify
that such agreement has been negotiated and that such agreement meets
the requirements of the BIA.
§ 6-3-11 License Suspension or Revocation
Any wholesale
or retail license issued shall be subject to revocation and/or suspension
by the Nez Perce Tribe for any violation of the ordinance in addition
to the civil infractions set forth herein or any criminal penalties
that may apply. Wholesalers and Retailers may also be deemed ineligible
for a fireworks license in subsequent years.
§ 6-3-12 License Non-Transferable
All fireworks
licenses issued to an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe, retail
or wholesale, shall be non-transferable between Nez Perce Tribal members
and between fireworks outlets. The license cannot be sold, assigned,
leased or transferred in any manner whatsoever.
§ 6-3-13 Duration of License
(a) A retail
or wholesale license shall permit the sale of fireworks to the general
public no sooner than June 9th and no later than July 9th of that calendar
year. Furthermore, the licensee shall remove all unsold fireworks from
his or her shop or store premises not later than July 9th of the calendar
year.
(b) A retail
or wholesale license shall permit the sale of fireworks to the general
public for a New Year’s Eve fireworks season from December 24th,
of that calendar year, to January 2nd of the following year.
§ 6-3-14 Operator
The specific
Tribal member so authorized and licensed as provided for above, must
be the owner, operator, and beneficiary of said business. The operator
shall be held jointly responsible for the payment of any fines resulting
from violations of this ordinance by any of his employees.
§ 6-3-15 Employees of Licensee
All fireworks
operators shall use good faith efforts to hire tribal members and other
Indians. Any person under the age of 18 years employed for the sale
of fireworks pursuant to the fireworks license shall be supervised by
an adult.
§ 6-3-16 Sale to Minors
It shall
be unlawful to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of eighteen (18)
unless such fireworks are of a nature that has been designated as "safe
and sane" fireworks as defined herein. "Safe and sane" fireworks may
be sold regardless of age.
§ 6-3-17 Intoxication
It shall
be unlawful to sell fireworks to any intoxicated person, or for any
licensee or employee to sell, discharge or distribute fireworks while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs while engaged in the distribution
or sale of fireworks.
§ 6-3-18 Permitted Fireworks - Conformity with Federal Law
An operator
shall conform in all respects, to the laws of the United States, pertaining
to the sale of fireworks. The operator shall not stock or sell any fireworks
which are in violation of the Hazardous Substance Act of the United
States Code, 15 US Code 1261 et seq. and regulations promulgated thereunder.
§ 6-3-19 Discharge of Fireworks in Selling Area
It shall
be unlawful for an operator to discharge or to allow his employee or
customers to discharge fireworks within one hundred (100) feet of a
fireworks outlet.
§ 6-3-20 Fire Safety
(a) All
operators shall have at least two (2) ten (10) pound ABC Type approved
(inspected within one year) fire extinguishers in the selling area.
(b) all
operators shall construct and maintain a fireline around the perimeter
of the fireworks outlet.
§ 6-3-21 Notice
Each license
holder shall display at a prominent place in each fireworks outlet a
notice listing those acts declared unlawful by this Ordinance.
§ 6-3-22 Repeal
This ordinance
repeals prior ordinances concerning fireworks.
§ 6-3-23 Non-Liability
The issuing
of fireworks permits by the Tribe shall not be construed as a waiver
of sovereign immunity or as the assumption of any liability on the part
of the Tribe.
§ 6-3-24 Severability
In the
event that any provision of this act shall be found or declared invalid,
the remaining provision of this act shall be unaffected thereby and
shall remain in full force and effect.
§ 6-3-25 Requirements for Retail Operators
All retail
operators must:
(a) Remove
of all structures within five (5) days of the end of the fireworks
season.
(b) Remove
and clean up of debris and waste within 150 feet of retail site within
five (5) days of the fireworks season.
(c) Provide
a designated area for fireworks displays at least 100 feet away from
the fireworks outlet or retail structure or existing buildings.
(d) Utilize
not more than four (4) signs not to exceed 32 square feet to advertise
their business, so long as such signs do not violate applicable billboard
or zoning ordinances, do not create a safety hazard, as determined
by the Safety Officer; and that the operator obtain permission of
the owner on where property the sign is located.
(e) The
licensee shall be held responsible in the event of fire, personal
or physical injury as a result of negligent acts of the licensee or
their employees.
§ 6-3-26 Violations/Sanctions
(a) Any
violation of this Ordinance shall be considered a civil infraction under
§ 4-3-72 and may subject the offender to a fine.
(b) In
addition to any fine ordered under § 4-3-72, Tribal Law Enforcement
may close any offending business and seize all illegal fireworks and
or proceeds from same.
(c ) This
section does not preclude any other civil or criminal remedies which
may apply to activities governed by this Ordinance, including immediate
police action necessary to protect the health and safety of the community.
Chapter 6-4 - Nez Perce Tribal Commercial Building Code
(adopted
10/26/99)
§ 6-4-1
Title
This ordinance
shall be known and cited as the Nez Perce Tribal Commercial Building
Code.
§ 6-4-2 Jurisdiction
The provisions
of this ordinance shall apply to all structures wholly or partially
used for commercial purposes which are located on land owned by any
member of a federally recognized tribe and which are within the Nez
Perce Reservation.
§ 6-4-3 Adoption of Code
The following
code and its amendments, including subsequent revisions and supplements,
hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this ordinance as though
fully set forth herein:
(a) Uniform
Building Code (U.B.C.), 1991 edition, as compiled and published by
the International Conference of Building Officials (I.C.B.O.), including
all of the appendices.
§ 6-4-4 Commercial Building Permits When Required
It shall
be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct,
enlarge, substantially alter or repair, move, improve, remove, convert
or demolish any building structure or mobile or pre-manufactured structure
or any part or mechanical system thereof; or to cause any of the foregoing
to be done; without first obtaining a separate building permit from
the Building Official for each such building or structure. The required
permit shall be obtained before work is initiated, unless other arrangements
are approved in advance by the Building Official.
§ 6-4-5 Fees
All buildings
valued at $3,000 or less shall be charged a permit fee of twenty-five
($25) dollars. Buildings valued at $3,000 or more shall be based on
those fees as specified in the attached fee schedule.
§ 6-4-6 Issue of Permits
Permits
required under the provisions of this ordinance shall be issued by the
Nez Perce Tribal Building Official, or his designee, in accordance with
applicable provisions of this ordinance, utilizing for the purpose suitable
forms to be provided by the Nez Perce Tribe. The Nez Perce Tribal Executive
Committee shall employ or contract with a qualified inspector who shall
be the Nez Perce Tribal Building Official. Fees shall be paid to the
Nez Perce Tribe Finance Department.
§ 6-4-7 Inspection and Enforcement
All of
the inspection and enforcement required under this ordinance shall be
provided by the Nez Perce Tribe, under authority of the Nez Perce Tribal
Executive Committee. Costs of inspections, or of plan reviews shall
be paid from permit fees collected by the Tribe
§ 6-4-8 Public Access to Code
One (1)
copy of the code adopted by this ordinance, and its supplements and
later revisions, shall be provided and made available to the public
at the office of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Office of
Legal Counsel, and shall be available for inspection to the public during
normal business hours, upon request.
§ 6-4-9 Noncompliance
In the
event that any person, firm or corporation shall willfully fail to secure
a permit before initiation of construction, as required by § 6-4-4 of
this ordinance, such person may be found to have committed a civil infraction
and upon such a finding by the Nez Perce Tribal Court may be fined not
more than three hundred dollars ($300.00), for each violation, and in
addition shall be required to pay all costs and expenses involved in
the case. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the Nez Perce Tribe
from taking such other action as is necessary to prevent or to remedy
any violation before or instead of a civil infraction proceeding, including
in particular the collection of Investigation fees as provided in the
Uniform Building Code.
§ 6-4-10
Appeals
The Uniform
Building Code adopted by § 6-4-3 of this ordinance:
(a) The
Appeals section is amended to read: "In order to hear and decide appeals
of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Inspector
relative to the application and interpretation of the code, any affected
person may appeal to the Nez Perce Tribal Court, in writing, within
fifteen (15) days of the decision by the Building Inspector. The court
may appoint an Appeals Committee to review said appeal who shall,
in turn, make recommendations to the court. The Appeals Committee
shall consist of persons who are qualified by experience to pass upon
matters pertaining to building construction. The Housing Director
shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary to the Committee.
The court shall issue its decision within 60 days of the filing of
the appeal. All decisions of the Tribal Court in such matters shall
be final and not subject to further appeal."
§ 6-4-11 Severability
If any
section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance shall,
for any reason be held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and
independent provision, and such holding shall not affect, invalidate
or nullify the remaining portions of this ordinance.
|
Nez
Perce Tribal Commercial Building Code
|
|
Total
Valuation
|
Fee
|
| $3,001.00
to $25,000.00 |
$35.00
for the first $5,000.00 plus $5.00 for each additional $5,000.00
or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 |
| $25,001.00
to $50,000.00 |
$55.00
for the first $25,000.00 plus $3.50 for each additional $5,000.00
or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.0 |
|
$50,001.00
to $100,000.00
|
$75.00
for the first $50,000 plus $2.50 for each additional $5,000.00
or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00.
|
| $100,001.00
to $500,000.00 |
$95.00
for the first $100,000.00 plus $2.00 for each additional $5,000.00
or fraction thereof to and including $500,000.00.
|
| $500,001.00
to $1,000,000.00 |
$500.00
for the first $500,000.00 plus $1.50 for each additional $5,000.00
or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00. |
| $1,000,001.00
and up |
$1,000.00
for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $1.00 for each additional $1,000.00
or fraction thereof. |
|
Other
Inspections and Fees:
| Inspections
outside of normal business hours (minimum charge-two hours)
|
$30.00
per hour* |
| Reinspection
fees assessed under provisions of Section 305(g) |
$30.00
per hour* |
| Inspections
for which no fee is specifically indicated (minimum charge
– one-half hour) |
$30.00
per hour* |
| Additional
plan review required by changes, additions or revisions
to approved plans (minimum charge – one-half hour) |
$30.00
per hour* |
|
*Or
the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is the greatest.
This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages
and fringe benefits of the employees involved.
Chapter 6-5 - Forest Protection Fire Ordinance
(chapter
adopted 9/14/99)
§ 6-5-1
Definitions
(a) "Campfire"
means a fire, not within any building, mobile home or living accommodation
mounted on a motor vehicle, which is used for cooking, personal warmth,
lighting, ceremonial, or esthetic purposes.
§ 6-5-2 Fire
The following
are prohibited:
(a) Carelessly
or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other
substance that may cause a fire.
(b) Firing
any tracer bullet or incendiary; ammunition.
(c) Causing
timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to bum except as authorized by
permit.
(d) Leaving
a fire without completely extinguishing it.
(e) Allowing
a fire to escape from control.
(f) Building,
attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without removing all flammable
material from around the campfire adequate to prevent its escape.
§ 6-5-3 Spark Arresters
(a) Requirements.
The steam or internal combustion engines be equipped with properly installed,
maintained, and effectively working spark arresters as categorized below:
(1) Portable
power saws. The spark arrester shall meet the standards set forth
in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice
J335b, "Multi-position Small Engine Exhaust System Fire Ignition Suppression",
and be listed in the most recent "Spark arrester Guide" as having
been approved as meeting above standard. Copies of the "Spark Arrester
Guide" may be viewed at the Tribal Fire Office.
(2) Other
engines. The spark arrester shall meet the standards set forth in
the publication of the USDA Forest Service, entitled "Standard 5100la
for Spark Arresters of Internal Combustion Engines" as amended under
date of July 1970, and be listed in the most recent " Spark Arrester
Guide" as having been approved as meeting above standard. Copies of
the "Spark Arrester Guide" may be viewed at the Tribal Fire Office.)
(b) Exceptions.
The following are exempt from the requirements of the rule:
(1) Turbo-charged
internal combustion engines in which one hundred percent (100%) of
the exhaust gases pass through the turbo-charger.
(2) Engines
of passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks, equipped with baffle-type
muffler and tailpipe through which all exhaust gasses pass, that are
kept in good repair.
(3) Engines
of heavy duty trucks equipped with a vertical exhaust stack and muffler
extending above the cab of the vehicle.
(4) Engines
of water pumping equipment used in firefighting.
(5) Engines
of helicopters and other aircraft.
§ 6-5-4 Cost of Fire Suppression and Protection
Whenever
the Tribe incurs costs in controlling or extinguishing a fire that any
person willfully or is negligently responsible for, such cost shall
include all actual cost to the Tribe including wages and use of equipment.
Chapter 6-6 - Fuel Tax Ordinance
(Chapter
adopted 10/9/01)
§ 6-6-1
Definitions
(a) "Administrator"
shall mean the person, program or body authorized by NPTEC to administer
the Fuel Tax Ordinance.
(b) "Distributor"
shall mean those businesses, entities or individuals that receive fuel,
store it, and/or sell fuel to Retailers on a wholesale basis for resale
at the Retail level.
(c) "Fuel"
shall mean any mixture of hydrocarbons suitable as a fuel for the propulsion
of motor vehicles or motor boats.
(d) "Indian"
shall mean any person who is enrolled or is eligible for enrollment
in a federally recognized Tribe or who is at least 1/4 degree Indian
blood. BIA or tribal certification may be required.
(e) "Retailer"
shall mean any business, entity or individual engaged in the retail
sale of fuel to the public.
§ 6-6-2 Purpose
The purpose
of this Ordinance is to govern the transactions involving the receipt
and sale of fuels by Distributors and Indian-owned Retailers within
the confines of the Nez Perce Reservation.
§ 6-6-3 Imposition of Tax
A tax
in the amount of fifteen (15) cents per gallon is imposed on all fuel
received within the confines of the Nez Perce Reservation and earmarked
for sale at the retail level to consumers. The tax is to be paid by
the licensed Retailer and remitted with the monthly Retailer report
as required in §6-6-5(c).
§ 6-6-4 Distributor Licenses
(a) No
Distributor shall receive or sell fuel to a Retailer or to any person
or entity for resale unless that Distributor has a valid Distributor's
license duly issued by the Nez Perce Tribe.
(b) A Distributor
may obtain a Distributor's license on an annual basis from the Nez Perce
Tribe by submitting a completed application form provided by the Nez
Perce Tribe upon request and paying an annual license fee of $100.00.
After the first year this ordinance is effective, the amount of annual
license fees shall be established annually by resolution of the Nez
Perce Tribal Executive Committee. Licensed Distributors shall be advised
in writing no later than the last business day of September of the amount
of the license fee for the next calendar year. Fees for an application
submitted during the calendar year shall be prorated. The Nez Perce
Tribe may require posting of a bond, in addition to the license fee,
or any other requirement deemed necessary in administering the Ordinance
and is under no obligation to issue any Distributor's license.
(c) A Distributor,
regardless of whether he obtains a Distributor's License shall submit,
not later than the tenth day of the calendar month following the month
in which fuel was received, monthly reports of amounts of fuel received
and any other information reasonably requested by the Administrator.
If the tenth of the month falls on a holiday or week-end, such report
shall be due on the next business day following the weekend or holiday.
(d) All
Distributors will be required to comply with federal requirements for
health and safety in regard to construction, placement and operation
of fuel storage tanks, trucks and other related equipment. Such compliance
shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Administrator prior
to obtaining a license. Notwithstanding additional enforcement tools
as set forth herein and in the Nez Perce Tribal Code, a license may
be revoked for non-compliance.
§ 6-6-5 Retailer Licenses
(a) No
Indian shall operate a Retail Fuel Station within the boundaries of
the Nez Perce Reservation unless that Retailer has a valid license duly
issued by the Nez Perce Tribe. Nor shall a Retail Fuel Station purchase
fuel from any entity other than a duly licensed Distributor of the Nez
Perce Tribe.
(b) A Retailer
may obtain a Retailer's license on an annual basis from the Nez Perce
Tribe by submitting a completed application form provided by the Nez
Perce Tribe upon request and paying an annual license fee of $100.00.
After the first year this ordinance is effective, the amount of annual
license fees shall be established annually by resolution of the Nez
Perce Tribal Executive Committee. Licensed Retailers shall be advised
in writing no later than the last business day of September of the amount
of the license fee for the next calendar year. Fees for an application
submitted during the calendar year shall be prorated. The Nez Perce
Tribe may require posting of a bond, in addition to the license fee,
or any other requirement deemed necessary in administering the Ordinance
and is under no obligation to issue any Retailer's license.
(c) A Retailer,
regardless of whether he obtains a Retailer's License shall submit,
not later than the tenth day of the calendar month following the month
in which fuel was received/sold, monthly reports of amounts of fuel
received and sold and any other information reasonably requested by
the Administrator. If the tenth of the month falls on a holiday or weekend,
such report shall be due on the next business day following the weekend
or holiday.
(d) A Retailer
shall also, with the report, remit the amount of taxes imposed on fuel
received the preceding month, as set forth in subsection (c) of this
section. (Correction to subsection: replaced word distributor with
correct word retailer effective 3/26/02)
(e) All
Fuel Retailer Stations will be required to comply with federal requirements
for health and safety in regard to construction, placement and operation
of fuel storage tanks and other related equipment. Such compliance shall
be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Administrator prior to obtaining
a license. Notwithstanding additional enforcement tools as set forth
herein and in the Nez Perce Tribal Code, a license may be revoked for
noncompliance
§ 6-6-6 Enforcement
(a) Any
Indian person, corporation or entity that receives or sells fuel within
the Nez Perce Reservation, with or without a license, is deemed to be
doing business within the Nez Perce Reservation and shall be subject
to the jurisdiction of the Nez Perce Tribe and the terms of this Ordinance.
Any Indian person, corporation or entity doing business within the Nez
Perce Reservation shall be subject to the service of process issued
by the Nez Perce Tribal Court as though that person, corporation or
entity was a resident of the Nez Perce Reservation.
(b) Any
person, corporation or entity who engages in the business as a fuel
Distributor or fuel Retailer without being the holder of a valid license
shall be guilty of a civil infraction. Each day of business without
a valid license shall constitute a separate offense.
(c) A Distributor
or Retailer whose monthly reports are not received within seven days
of the date it is due may be subject to a daily fine of $100 for each
day the report is late. Such report will be presumed to be late on the
eighth day after the date is due. Such fine may be assessed by the Administrator
as an administrative procedure and shall accrue interest at the highest
legal rate allowed under federal law. If such report is received by
the Nez Perce Tribe after the seven day late period and the postmark
date on the envelope is found to have a date within the allowable time
period, no penalty will be assessed. An appeal of any penalty assessment
shall be available through the Nez Perce Tribal Court and the sole basis
for review shall be whether the report was postmarked before the required
date and received by the Nez Perce Tribe before or within the seven
day late period.
(1)
Enactment of this provision as law and delivery to all existing licensees
and new applicants shall be deemed full and fair notice of them of their
reporting obligations and no further notice shall be required. The failure
to provide the required monthly report within twenty days after the
seven day late period, when it will be presumed late or an indication
by the Distributor or Retailer that he/she will not comply with the
reporting requirements, shall be deemed a violation of this ordinance
and be subject to such additional penalties as provided herein.
(d) In
the event that a Distributor or Retailer fails to provide the monthly
reports as required herein, the Administrator may assess the fines authorized
in section VI.B. above. The Administrator shall serve written notice
by regular mail addressed to the licensee of the amount of the fine
then due, request the monthly report, demand payment of the fine then
due in full immediately and advise the licensee that if the report and
payment are not received by that deadline, the license will be suspended
on that date. Unless a licensee pays the total fine due and submits
the required report within twenty days of the date due, their license
shall be suspended by the Administrator. Once suspended for failure
to pay the fine assessed or to provide the report within twenty days
of the date due, the license shall not be reinstated unless and until
the licensee provides a cash performance bond to the Tribe in the amount
of $50,000 to ensure compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.
(e) In
all other instances where the Administrator reasonably believes that
a violation of the Fuel Tax Ordinance has occurred, the Administrator
shall, on a timely basis, conduct such investigation into relevant facts
as is necessary and provide such information to the Nez Perce Tribal
Executive Committee, Office of Legal Counsel who shall take such legal
steps as are necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the
Code. If warranted, the legal steps could include a referral to the
Tribal Prosecutor for criminal charges to be filed.
(f) Upon
a determination by the Court that a violation of any provision of this
Ordinance has occurred, sanctions, including any or all of the following,
may be imposed:
(1) Suspension
of Distributor or Retail license;
(2) Revocation
of Distributor or Retail license;
(3) Civil
fine in an amount established by the Court unless the violation for
which it is imposed resulted in the loss of revenue to the Nez Perce
Tribe in which case, the amount of the fine shall be equal to three
times the amount of revenue lost to the Nez Perce Tribe;
(4) Forfeiture
of property belonging to Distributor or Retailer within the boundaries
of the Nez Perce Reservation of a value sufficient to pay in full
any fine, assessment or amount due pursuant to this Ordinance;
(5) Posting
of a cash bond with Nez Perce Tribe before license is reissued or
restored.
(g) The
Nez Perce Tribe may file a complaint with the Nez Perce Tribal Court
alleging a violation of the Fuel Tax Ordinance. If the complaint seeks
preliminary relief, including but not limited to, the closure of the
Distributor or Retailers business pending final disposition of the complaint,
the Nez Perce Tribal Court may be requested to issue an order granting
the preliminary relief on an ex parte basis upon a showing by the Nez
Perce Tribe that reasonable efforts were made to advise the named defendant
of the filing of the complaint and the request for preliminary relief.
Upon presentation of prima facia evidence that a Distributor or Retailer
failed to provide the reports or pay the taxes required by the Fuel
Tax Ordinance, the court shall grant the preliminary relief. Regardless
of whether the preliminary relief is granted, the court shall schedule
the cause notice to be served upon the defendant and hold a full hearing
on the matter of the preliminary relief no later than three business
days from the date of the complaint.
(h) Any
order of the Nez Perce Tribal Court granting preliminary relief may
include authorization or direction to appropriate enforcement agencies
to secure premises or property to avoid transfer or concealment of property
that may be subject to forfeiture.
(i) Any
transfer or concealment of property subject to forfeiture by a Distributor
or Retailer to avoid or attempt to avoid forfeiture pursuant to, or
enforcement of, this ordinance shall be a criminal offense subject to
criminal penalties.
§ 6-6-7 Distribution of Tax Revenues
Tax revenues
shall be distributed as determined by the Nez Perce Tribal Executive
Committee
§ 6-6-8 Violations/Sanctions
(a) Any
violation of this Ordinance shall be considered a civil infraction under
§ 4-3-73 and may subject the offender to a fine shall be distributed
in the following amounts
(b) In
addition to any fine ordered under § 4-3-73, Tribal Law Enforcement
may close any offending business and seize all fuel or fuel proceeds
from same.
(c ) This
section does not preclude any other civil or criminal remedies which
may apply to activities governed by this Ordinance, including immediate
police action necessary to protect the health and safety of the community.
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