Enacted 09-03-03
Affirmed by Resolution
No. 09-03-03 dated
09-03-03
August
2003
Tribal
Government Code Of Conduct
Ordinance
No. 09-03-03
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article
I. Title and Purpose
Article II. Principles
Article III. Conflict of Interest
Article IV. Fiduciary Duty
Article V. Dual Capacities as Tribal Official and Tribal
Employee
Article VI. Miscellaneous
Article VII. Implementation and Compliance
Article VIII. Sanctions and Penalties
ARTICLE I. TITLE AND PURPOSE
SECTION 101. TITLE
This document
shall be referred to as the "Tribal Government Code of Conduct"
for the Pit River Tribe. (Code of Conduct)
SECTION 102. PURPOSE
(A) The
purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set forth standards by which
Tribal government officials will conduct themselves in order to protect
and promote Tribal integrity and to enhance the ability of the Tribe
to achieve its objectives in a manner consistent with all applicable
laws and regulations.
(B) The
Code of Conduct is intended to guide and direct all Tribal government
officials in dealing with situations they may encounter while in office.
The Code provides assistance in making right choices when confronted
with difficult decisions.
(C) The
Code of Conduct applies to all Tribal government officials, and management
level employees. Throughout this Chapter, each and every reference
to Tribal government officials includes all management level employees,
unless explicitly stated otherwise.
(1)
"Tribal government official" means any person holding
an elective or appointed office in any government body of the Pit
River Tribe.
(2)
"Government body" means any branch, entity, enterprise,
authority, division, department, office, commission, council, board,
bureau, committee, legislative body, agency and any establishment
of the executive, administrative or legislative function of the
Pit River Tribe.
ARTICLE II. PRINCIPLES
SECTION 201. CONDUCT IN CONFORMITY WITH APPLICABLE RULES AND LAWS
(A) The
actions of Tribal government officials reflect their commitment to
conduct all of the Tribes activities in an honest, ethical and professional
manner in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and
with Tribal policies.
(B) Tribal
government officials shall at all times conduct themselves so as to
reflect credit upon the Tribal members and government, and comply
with all applicable laws of the Pit River Tribe with respect to their
conduct in the performance of the duties of their respective office
or employment.
SECTION 202. EQUAL REPRESENTATION
(A) Tribal
government officials shall represent the interests of all members
of the Pit River Tribe and not serve special interests inside or outside
of the Tribe. If a matter is specific to a band, then that official
shall represent the interests of all band members and not special
interests inside or outside of the Tribe.
(B) To
fully represent the interests of the Tribe, Tribal government officials
shall:
(1)
Not engage in any business activity that they believe is unethical
or illegal;
(2)
Refuse any illegal offers, solicitations, payments, or other remuneration
to induce business opportunities;
(3)
Refuse any offer that has the appearance of being an illegal or
inappropriate offer, solicitation, payment or remuneration.
SECTION 203. INTEGRITY
Tribal
government officials shall not use their position and/or Tribal resources
to serve their own personal, financial, or business interests.
SECTION 204. CONFIDENTIALITY
To respect
the privacy of Tribal employees, clients and Tribal members, Tribal
government officials shall not use or disclose confidential information
gained in the course of or by reason of their official position or activities,
to further their own economic and personal interest or that of anyone
else.
SECTION 205. RESPONSIBILITY
(A) Tribal
government officials shall respect the laws that govern the operation
of the Tribe and the treatment of Tribal members.
(B) The
actions of Tribal government officials reflect their commitment to
conduct Tribal activities in an honest, ethical and professional manner.
In carrying out their responsibilities, Tribal government officials
shall:
(1)
Adhere to both the letter and the spirit of applicable Tribal, federal,
and state laws and regulations;
(2)
Maintain high standards of business and ethical conduct in accordance
with applicable federal, Tribal and state laws and regulations,
including laws and regulations dealing with fraud, waste and abuse;
(3)
Be truthful and straightforward in dealing with other government
agencies;
(4)
Maintain a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, violence
and intimidation, and that is drug-free, as required by law. Tribal
government officials shall not tolerate any form of threatening
or abusive behavior under a zero-tolerance policy;
(5)
Follow Indian preference in employment as allowed by law in accordance
with Tribal policies.
SECTION 206. COMPETENCE
(A) Tribal
government officials shall perform their duties by making informed
decisions in good faith and in a manner believed to be in the best
interests of the Tribe.
(B) To
maintain confidence in the Tribal government, such officials shall:
(1)
Practice good faith in all transactions occurring during the course
of business;
(2)
Deal openly, effectively, and honestly with fellow Tribal government
officials, employees, Tribal members, contractors, government agencies
and others;
(3)
Conduct business dealings in a manner such that the Tribe shall
be the beneficiary of such dealings;
(4)
Make educated decisions based on sufficient inquiry and accurate
information.
SECTION 207. ACCOUNTABILITY
(A) Tribal
government officials are bound by this Code of Conduct and shall address
behavior inconsistent with this Code in an effective and efficient
manner as set forth in this Code.
(B) Tribal
government officials will adhere to the Code of Conducts principles
by:
(1)
Becoming familiar with this Code of Conduct and the policies and
procedures applicable to Tribal government officials;
(2)
Providing open communication channels to allow Tribal members and
employees to pursue compliance or ethical questions without fear
of retaliation;
(3)
Immediately reporting any suspected violations of this Code of Conduct
or of any applicable law or regulation, as set forth herein for
investigation either through established administrative channels
or to the Tribal Ethics Officer;
(4)
Not taking any disciplinary action or otherwise retaliate in any
form against any Tribal member or employee, who, in good faith,
reports a concern, issue, problem, or violation of the law, regulations
or the Code of Conduct. "Good faith" means that there
is an objective basis for the allegation and does not require definitive
proof.
(5)
Take alleged violations and suspected violations seriously, as they
could delay, compromise, or otherwise impair the services the Tribe
provides.
ARTICLE III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
SECTION 301. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
(A) No
Tribal government official shall use, or attempt to use, any official
or apparent authority of their office or duties which places, or could
reasonably be perceived as placing their private economic gain or
that of any special business interests with which they are associated,
before those of the Tribal membership, whose paramount interests their
office or employment is intended to serve.
(B) It
is the intent of this Chapter that Tribal government officials of
the Pit River Tribe avoid any action, whether or not specifically
prohibited by the Code of Conduct set out herein, which could result
in, or create the appearance of:
(1)
Using public office for private gain;
(2)
Giving preferential treatment to any special interest organization
or person;
(3)
Impeding governmental efficiency or economy;
(4)
Losing or compromising complete independence or impartiality of
actions;
(5)
Making a government decision outside official channels;
(6)
Adversely affecting the confidence of the Tribal members in the
integrity of the government of the Pit River Tribe.
(C) No
employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, or
in the award or administration of a contract supported by Federal
funds and/or Tribal funds, if a conflict of interest, real or apparent,
would be involved.
(D) A
conflict of interest shall be deemed to arise for purposes of this
section when the elected official or any member of their immediate
family, or an organization or firm which employs such official, director,
executive staff employee or family member has a financial or other
interest in the firm or person selected for the contract or grant
award.
SECTION 302. ANTI-NEPOTISM
(A) No
Tribal government official shall employ, elect, appoint or otherwise
cause to be employed, nor nominate or otherwise influence the appointment
or employment to any Tribal office or position with the Pit River
Tribe or any governmental or political subdivision thereof, any person
or persons in their immediate family, nor any member of the same household
as said public official or public employee.
(B) Assignment
of such persons to duties, positions, governmental offices or other
entities shall in all instances be made in strict compliance with
the current provisions of this Law and Order Code and the Tribe's
Personnel Policies Manual.
(C) "Immediate
family" includes husband, wife, father, mother, sister, brother,
son, daughter, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle,
first-cousin, and in-laws (mother, father, son, daughter, brother
and sister).
SECTION 303. CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS AND OFFICIAL ACTION
(A) Disclosure:
It is the premise that all Tribal Officials that are elected or selected
and Tribal employees who have interests which might conflict with
their duties, should divulge those interests. Disclosure shall also
extend to those interests held by his/her immediate family.
(B) When
a Tribal government official or a management employee is required
to take official action on a matter in which such Tribal government
official has a personal economic interest, they should first consider
eliminating that interest. If that is not feasible nor required under
this Code, such Tribal government official shall:
(1)
Prepare and sign a written statement describing the matter requiring
action and the nature of the potential conflict, as soon as such
Tribal government official is aware of the responsible party for
inclusion in the official record of any vote or other decision or
determination;
(2)
Abstain from voting, sponsoring, influencing or in any manner attempting
to influence any vote, official decision or determination which
would favor or advance such person's personal economic interest
in such matter; and
(3)
Abstain from voting or otherwise participating in the official decision
or determination of such matter, unless otherwise legally required
by law (such as the vote of an elected band representative cast
on behalf of his or her band), or unless such person's vote, position,
recommendation or participation is contrary to their personal economic
interest.
(C) Unless
otherwise provided by applicable law, the abstention by such person
from voting or otherwise participating in the official determination
or decision shall not affect the presence of such person for purposes
of establishing a quorum necessary for a governmental body.
ARTICLE IV. FIDUCIARY DUTY
SECTION 401. ECONOMIC INTERESTS
(A) To
avoid using governmental positions to serve their own personal, financial,
or business interests, Tribal government officials shall:
(1)
Not participate in governmental decisions in which they have a business,
financial, or professional interest outside of the Tribe or the
band which they represent.
(2)
No Tribal government official shall accept or receive any benefit,
income, favor or other form of compensation for performing the official
duties of their office or employment, beyond the amount or value
which is authorized and received in their official capacity for
performing such duties.
(3)
Not solicit, or offer anything of value in the course of business
dealings;
(4)
Avoid using the Tribe's resources to their own personal, financial,
or business interests. Tribal government officials shall utilize
authorized employees and staff only for the official purposes for
which they are employed or otherwise retained.
(5)
No Tribal government official, however, shall accept any benefit,
income, favor or other form of compensation for the performance
of the duties of any other office or employment not actually performed
or for which such official or employee is not otherwise properly
authorized or entitled to receive.
(6)
Strictly prohibit kickback, bribes, rebates or any kind of benefits
intended to induce business benefits.
(7)
Report reimbursable expenses accurately and to only one source;
and avoid receiving any financial gain as a result of business travel
or entertainment.
(8)
Tribal government officials shall not:
a.
Use supplies and services in a manner that avoids waste or abuse.
Be responsible and accountable for the proper use of all Tribal
property and equipment entrusted in their care.
b.
No Tribal government official shall use any property of the Pit
River Tribe or any other public property of any kind for other
than as authorized and approved for official purposes and activities.
Such persons shall properly protect and conserve all such property,
equipment and supplies which are so entrusted, assigned or issued
to them.
(9)
Tribal government officials shall not engage in, directly or indirectly,
financial or other economic transactions as a result of, or primarily
depending upon, information obtained through their public office
or employment; nor acquire any economic or other financial property,
contractual or other economic interest at a time when they believe
or have reason to believe, that it will directly and substantially
affect or be so affected by their official actions or duties.
SECTION 402. TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS: RESTRICTIONS AND BID REQUIREMENTS
(A) No
tribal government official shall participate in the selection or in
the award or administration of a contract or grant award of funds
from any government agency, if a conflict of interest, real or apparent,
shall be involved.
(B) No
Tribal government official or any member of such person's immediate
family shall be a party to, nor have an interest in the profits or
benefits of, any government contract of the Pit River Tribe or of
any investment of funds of the Pit River Tribe, unless the contract
or the investment meets the following requirements:
(1)
The contract is let by notice and competitive bid or procurement
procedures as required under the applicable laws, rules, regulations
and policies of the Pit River Tribe, for necessary materials or
services for the governmental agency or entity involved; and
(2)
In the continuous course of business, the bid was commenced before
the Tribal government official assumed their current term of office
or employment; and
(3)
The entire transaction is conducted at arm's length, with the governmental
agency's full knowledge of the interest of the Tribal government
official or a member of their immediate family; and
(4)
The Tribal government official has taken no part in the determination
of the specifications, deliberations or decisions of a governmental
agency with respect to the public contract.
(C) This
provision shall not apply to such persons qualifying for housing benefits
from the Tribe or for medical benefits from the Indian Health Service
or other programs available to all Tribal members.
SECTION 403. GIFTS, AWARDS, LOANS, REIMBURSEMENTS AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
(A) Except
as otherwise provided herein or by applicable rule or regulation adopted
hereunder by the Pit River Tribe, or by other applicable law, no Tribal
government official shall solicit or accept for themselves or another,
any gift, including economic opportunity, favor, service, or loan
(other than from a regular lending institution on generally available
terms) or any other benefit of an aggregate monetary value of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) or more in any calendar year, from any person,
organization or group which:
(1)
Has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial
relationships or approval from any governmental office or entity
with which the Tribal government official is associated or employed;
or
(2)
Conducts operations or activities which are regulated or in any
manner supervised by any governmental office or entity with which
the Tribal government official is associated or employed; or
(3)
Has any interest which, within two (2) years, has been directly
involved with, or affected by, the performance or nonperformance
of any official act or duty of such Tribal government official or
of the government office or entity with which the Tribal government
official is associated or employed or which the Tribal government
official knows or has reason to believe is likely to be so involved
or affected.
(B) The
restrictions in Section 403(A) (above) shall not be construed to prohibit:
(1)
An occasional non-pecuniary gift, insignificant in value;
(2)
Gifts from and obviously motivated by family or social relationships,
as among immediate family members or family inheritances;
(3)
Food and refreshments customarily made available in the ordinary
course of meetings where a Tribal government official may properly
be in attendance;
(4)
An award or honor customarily and publicly presented in recognition
of public service.
ARTICLE V. DUAL CAPACITIES AS TRIBAL OFFICIAL AND
TRIBAL EMPLOYEE
SECTION 501. EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Subject
to the restrictions and conditions set forth in this Code, Tribal government
officials are free to engage in employment with the Tribe to the same
extent as the general public. The Pit River Tribe may, however, adopt
further approved restrictions upon such transactions or employment as
authorized herein and by other applicable laws of the Pit River Tribe,
in light of special circumstances or the particular duties of the Tribal
government official.
SECTION 502. DEFINITIONS
(A) The
term "employment," within the meaning of this section includes
professional services and other services rendered by a Tribal government
official or a management employee, whether rendered as an employee,
consultant, or other independent contractor.
(B) "Dual
capacity at any meeting" means that a Tribal official is attending
a meeting regarding the government body in which they are employed.
For example, a Tribal Council member attending a Tribal Council meeting
regarding environmental regulations, that is also employed in the
Tribe's environmental division, is serving in a dual capacity at that
particular meeting.
(C) "Honorarium"
is defined as an honorary or free gift; a gratuitous payment, as distinguished
from hire or compensation for service. A payment of money or anything
of value made to a person for services rendered for which fees cannot
legally or are not traditionally made.
(D) "Income"
means all income from whatever source derived, including but not limited
to the following items: compensation for services, including fees,
commissions, and similar items.
SECTION 502. ABSTAIN FROM VOTING
(A) A
Council person serving in a dual capacity at any meeting shall abstain
from voting or otherwise participating in the official decision or
determination of such matter.
(B) Unless
otherwise provided by applicable law, the abstention by such person
from voting or otherwise participating in the official determination
or decision shall not affect the presence of such person for purposes
of establishing a quorum necessary for a governmental body to take
such action or vote upon such matter.
SECTION 503. COMPENSATION
(A) A
Tribal Council member may receive income, honoraria or reimbursement
of expenses attributable to the performance of duties during a duly
called Tribal Council meeting or government function.
(B) Tribal
government officials cannot receive double compensation as an employee
and council member. No honorarium shall be paid to any Tribal Council
member who is paid a salary directly by any Tribal government body
for attending a meeting in which they are not entitled to vote or
participate. Therefore, income shall not be paid to a council member
who holds such dual capacity at any meeting. However, if a Council
person attends a meeting that does not address their Tribal employment
agency, that person may receive all honorariums.
(C) In
lieu of receiving the Tribal honorarium, Tribal government officials
have the option to decline their employment income for the time they
attending a meeting.
(D) This
section shall not be construed to prohibit the receipt of authorized
compensation for the performance of other distinct and lawful duties
by Tribal government officials or management employees. In those instances,
Tribal government officials may receive a salary and honoraria (For
example, a Council person, who is also a Casino employee, representing
the Tribe by speaking at a public event outside of the Tribes territory
regarding Indian gaming).
(E) In
all other situations, Tribal government officials may receive a second
honorarium if it is received from a non-Tribal organization. If a
second honorarium is received from another Tribal organization or
federal agency, the honorarium from the Tribe shall be returned to
the Tribe.
ARTICLE VI. MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 601. DEBTS OWED TO THE PIT RIVER TRIBE
(A) All
elected/selected/appointed officials delinquent in debt(s) of six
(6) months or more to the Tribe and who have not made reasonable arrangements
for payment of said debt(s) shall be brought to the attention of the
Tribal Council by the Tribal Treasurer; and,
(B) Shall
be removed or suspended immediately from his/her respective official
capacities by a vote of at least six (6) Council members and shall
be given the full opportunity to reply to any and all charges at a
designated Council meeting; and provided further that the official
shall have been given a written statement of the charges against him/her
five (5) days before the meeting at which time he/she is to be given
the opportunity to reply; and
(C) Shall
not have the privilege of serving as a Tribal representative until
actual payment in FULL of their outstanding debt(s) has been made.
(D) It
shall be the responsibility of the Tribal Treasurer to notify the
official delinquent in debt of their removal or suspension by Council
action.
(E) Any
Tribal member, singularly or a party to, being delinquent in debt(s)
of six (6) months or more to the Tribe and who have not made reasonable
arrangements for payment of said debt(s) shall not be awarded new
contracts, subcontracts, or any moneymaking ventures until:
(1)
Delinquent debt(s) is satisfied in full, or
(2)
If the Tribal Treasurer notifies the awarding committee that a debtor
applying for a contract, subcontract, or any moneymaking ventures,
has paid fifty percent (50 %) of his/her debt (s) to the Tribe,
that debtor is eligible to compete for contracts, subcontracts,
or any moneymaking ventures, and if awarded a contract, subcontract,
or moneymaking venture, he/she shall sign a statement authorizing
the deduction of a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) (off the top)
of the contract to be paid TOWARD the delinquent debt(s).
SECTION 602. AMENDMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT
(A) The
Tribal Chairperson, Tribal administrator or department director of every
governmental entity of the Pit River Tribe which is subject to the provisions
of this Code, is authorized to submit for approval and adoption by the
Tribal Council such supplemental rules, regulations and standards of
conduct for the public officials and employees of such entity, which
are necessary and appropriate to the special conditions relating to
their particular functions, purposes and duties and not in conflict
with the purposes and other provisions of this Law and Order Code.
(B) Upon
adoption, such supplemental standards, rules and regulations shall be
implemented in the same manner and to the extent applicable, as are
all other standards, rules and regulations and shall be implemented
in the same manner and to the extent applicable, as are all other standards,
rules and regulations provided and adopted in accordance with this Law
and Order Code.
ARTICLE VII. IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
SECTION 701. ETHICS OFFICER
There is
hereby created a position entitled "Pit River Tribal Ethics Officer"
(Ethics Officer) who shall be appointed by the Tribal Council to serve
a term of one year, beginning and ending on the same dates as other
terms of office. The Ethics Officer shall have only those duties set
forth in this Section.
SECTION 702. FILING OF COMPLAINTS
The Ethics
Officer may initiate and/or receive review and/or investigate complaints
filed with the Ethics Officer. Each complaint shall contain a statement
of the alleged misconduct, including any section of the Tribal Government
Code of Conduct alleged to have been violated, or other alleged disability
and the alleged facts upon which such charges are based.
SECTION 703. NOTICE
The Ethics
Officer shall also issue to the government official a written notice
containing a statement of alleged misconduct, including any section
of the Tribal Government Code of Conduct alleged to have been violated,
or other alleged disability. The notice shall state alleged facts upon
which such charges are based.
SECTION 704. DETERMINATION TO PROCEED
(A) Within
ten days (10) upon receipt of complaint, the Ethics Officer shall
investigate the allegations in the complaint. If the Ethics Officer
finds sufficient cause to proceed, the Ethics Officer shall conduct
non-adjudicatory administrative hearings to determine violations or
noncompliance with this Code.
(B) If
the investigation brings forth violations of a minor nature or a situation
that is subject to administrative remedies, the record of the investigation
shall so state. Administrative remedies shall mean those internal
controls of program management.
(C) If
the investigation indicates violations of a serious nature that are
prosecutable in a court of competent jurisdiction, the Ethics Officer
shall proceed directly with his investigative reports to the Tribal
court system or if the situation indicates, to the Tribal Prosecutor
for prosecution.
(D) Upon
recommendation of the Ethics Officer, the Tribal Council may dismiss
any complaint which the Tribal Council determines has insufficient
facts to constitute a violation of noncompliance to this Code, or
if there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
SECTION 705. RESPONSE TO NOTICE
Within
five (5) working days after receipt of the complaint, the accused officer
shall file a written response setting forth any admission, denial, affirmative
defense, ore other matter upon which they intend to rely on at the hearing.
SECTION 706. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
(A) A
hearing on allegations of nondisclosure shall be scheduled within
fifteen (15) days after it has been presented. The Tribal Council,
in the capacity of a quasi-juridical body, shall conduct administrative
adjudicatory hearings on any alleged violation of noncompliance.
(B) The
Ethics Officer shall be charged with the responsibility of representing
the Pit River Tribe in bringing forth all complaints filed under this
Code. The Ethics Officer shall act in the capacity of complainant
on matters to be heard by the Tribal Council.
(C) The
defendant should be given notice; particularly defining the allegations
and by whom. The burden of proof will rest with the accuser. Due process
requires that the accused has the right to be represented, present
testimony and cross-examine witnesses and his/her accuser.
(D) All
hearings shall follow rules of procedures and evidence established
and adopted by the Tribal Council. Presentation of the evidence requesting
circumstances for offenses shall be presented at a regularly scheduled
Tribal Council meeting wherein a majority vote shall be obtained for
subject's suspension.
(E) In
any complaint where the accused is the Tribal Chairman, Vice-Chairman,
Treasurer, Secretary, Recording Secretary or Sergeant of Arms, the
Tribal Council, upon completion of the adjudicatory administrative
hearing, shall deliberate in executive session and by resolution render
its findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendations for
sanction. Said findings, conclusions and recommendations shall be
forwarded to the Pit River Tribal Council during its next regular
or special session for final adoption of sanction.
SECTION 707. ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
(A) A
majority vote of a quorum duly seated shall be required to make a
determination.
(B) The
hearing body may impose or recommend any sanctions, civil damages,
restitution; or other penalties provided in this Code; or refer their
findings to other appropriate entities for action.
(C) In
any complaint where the accused is a public employee or otherwise
appointed under the supervisory authority of the Tribal Council, the
finding of facts, conclusions of law and sanction, if any, by the
Tribal Council shall be final for purposes of judicial review. Judicial
review shall be limited to review of the record to determine whether
the Tribal Council complied with recognized administrative law standards.
(D) (3)
Location of the repository of such records shall be the responsibility
of the Tribal Secretary's approval.
SECTION 708. APPEALS
(A) A
notice of appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days of the
issuance of a written decision. The hearing shall be on the record
only.
(B) The
Pit River Tribal Court shall have de novo jurisdiction to hear appeals
from final decisions of the Tribal Council involving Tribal government
officials. The standard of review shall be recognized administrative
law standards.
(C) The
Pit River Tribal Court shall have a record of the review of all other
non-adjudicatory and adjudicatory hearings conducted by either the
Ethics Officer or the Tribal Council.
SECTION 709. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
No action
shall be brought under this Code by the Ethics Officer before the Tribal
Council more than four (4) years after cause of action as accrued.
SECTION 710. RETALIATION PROHIBITED
(A) Retaliation
against any party or witness to a complaint shall be prohibited. Retaliation
shall include any form of adverse or punitive action.
(B) This
protection shall also be afforded to any person(s), including the
Ethics Office staff, offering testimony or evidence or complying with
directives authorized under this Code.
(C) Any
violations shall be subject to penalties under this Code, as well
as obstruction and contempt violations of both the civil and criminal
codes of the Pit River Tribe.
ARTICLE VIII. SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES
SECTION 801. GENERAL PENALTIES UNDER THIS CODE
(A) A
person found in violation of this mandate shall be further subject
to, and personally liable for, the following provisions, without regard
to the imposition of any administrative sanction or criminal conviction:
(1)
Any Tribal government official who violates any economic disclosure
or reporting requirement of this Code shall be held liable to the
Pit River Tribe for civil damages in any amount not to exceed the
value of any interest not properly reported.
(2)
Any Tribal government official who realizes an economic benefit
as a result of violation of any prohibition or restriction set forth
in this Code, shall be liable to the Pit River Tribe for civil damages
in the amount not exceeding three (3) times the amount or value
of the benefit or benefits so obtained.
(3)
If two (2) or more persons are responsible for any violation, each
of them shall be liable to the Pit River Tribe for the full amount
of any civil damages prescribed herein, the full amount of which
may be imposed upon and collected from each of them individually.
(B) Any
civil penalties imposed hereunder shall be collected in any manner
authorized for recovery of debts or obligations owed to the Pit River
Tribe and shall be paid into the general fund of the Tribe.
(C) No
imposition of any or all civil damages provided herein shall be a
bar to institution of any civil, criminal or misdemeanor action, liability,
judgment, conviction or punishment otherwise applicable hereto, nor
shall determination of any such civil damages be barred thereby.
(D) In
addition to the other penalties in this Chapter, the following fines
shall also be imposed:
(1)
Loss of per diem/salary for five (5) days if contract value is less
than $100.00.
(2)
Loss of per diem/salary for ten (10) days if contract value is less
than $500.00.
(3)
Referral for possible removal if contract value is over $500.00.
SECTION 802. ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS
(A) Upon
a finding that there has been a violation of any provisions of this
Code, the Tribal Council may impose any or all of the following penalties
or sanctions:
(1)
Issuance of a private reprimand to such person, with or without
suspension of any or all other sanctions provided herein.
(2)
Issuance of a written public reprimand, which shall be entered into
such person's permanent record of employment or office and upon
the permanent record of the public office or entity of which such
person is a member or employee, according to provisions of applicable
Pit River Tribe Tribal laws and procedures.
(3)
Accordingly, any public employee of the Pit River Tribe shall be
subject to discipline, including suspension without pay or other
benefits and dismissal as provided by other laws, regulations and
personnel policies, or procedures applicable thereto.
(4)
Suspension from public office or employment and forfeiture of all
compensation and benefits accruing there from, for not less than
thirty (30) days nor for more than one (1) year.
(5)
Removal, discharge or termination from public office or employment
in accordance with applicable Tribal law and procedure.
(B) No
sanctions or penalties provided herein shall limit any other powers
of the Tribal Council or Tribal Courts of the Pit River Tribe, nor
of any other entity or administrative officials or employees under
other applicable law, rules, regulations or procedures.
(C) All
penalties and/or sanctions shall be in addition to the fines established
in Section 801(B).
(D) Suspension.
No person accused of violations under the provisions of this chapter
shall be removed from his/her office or position until those allegations
have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent
jurisdiction within the parameters of due process as mandated by the
Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968.
(E) Temporary
Suspension. A person so accused may be suspended from his/her
position with or without pay until such time guilt or innocence has
been established. If the allegations are not substantiated, the person/defendant
should be restored to their full official duties and responsibilities.
In those cases where allegations have resulted in prosecution and
conviction, and after exhaustion of all appeals, the person/defendant
shall, upon conviction, immediately forfeit his/her position. Elected
or selected officials of the Pit River Tribe, who have been convicted
under the provisions of this chapter, may be subjected to the provisions
of Vacancies, Removal and Recall as set forth in the Election Ordinances,
if they do not voluntarily relinquish their positions.
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