[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 17 (Friday, January 25, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5276-5281]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01315]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Indian Gaming Commission

25 CFR Parts 556 and 558

RIN 3141-AA15


Tribal Background Investigations and Licensing

AGENCY: National Indian Gaming Commission, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is 
amending certain NIGC regulations concerning background investigations 
and licenses to streamline the submission of documents to the 
Commission; to ensure that two notifications are submitted to the 
Commission in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA); 
and to clarify the regulations regarding the issuance of temporary and 
permanent gaming licenses.

DATES: Effective Date: February 25, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Hay, National Indian Gaming 
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005. 
Telephone: 202-632-7009.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA or Act), Public Law 100-497, 
25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., was signed into law on October 17, 1988. The 
Act establishes the NIGC and sets out a comprehensive framework for the 
regulation of gaming on Indian lands. On November 18, 2010, the 
Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry and Notice of Consultation (NOI) 
advising the public that the NIGC was conducting a comprehensive review 
of its regulations and requesting public comment on which of its 
regulations were most in need of revision, in what order the Commission 
should review its regulations, and the process NIGC should utilize to 
make revisions. 75 FR 70680 (Nov. 18, 2010). On April 4, 2011, after 
holding eight consultations and reviewing all comments, NIGC published 
a Notice of Regulatory Review Schedule (NRR) setting out a consultation 
schedule and process for review. 76 FR 18457. The Commission's 
regulatory review process established a tribal consultation schedule 
with a description of the regulation groups to be covered at each 
consultation. These parts 556 and 558 were included in this regulatory 
review.

II. Previous Rulemaking Activity

    The Commission consulted with tribes as part of its review of parts 
556 and 558. Tribal consultations were held in every region of the 
country and were attended by numerous tribes, tribal leaders or their 
representatives. After considering the comments received from the 
public and through tribal consultations, the Commission published a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding background and investigation 
licensing procedures on December 22, 2011.

III. Review of Public Comments

    In response to our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, published 
December 22, 2011, 76 FR 79567, we received the following comments.

General Comments

    Comment: Many commenters supported the formalization of the ``pilot 
program'' because it reduces the quantity of documents a tribe must 
submit to the NIGC, formalizes a streamlined process, and is a cost 
effective measure.
    Response: The Commission agrees and has decided to amend parts 556 
and 558 to implement the pilot program.
    Comment: Many commenters generally support the changes to part 558.
    Response: The Commission has decided to go forward with many of the 
amendments set forth in the proposed rule.
    Comment: One commenter supported the agency's efforts to improve 
tribal access to background investigation materials but was puzzled by 
the suggestion that the Commission presently lacks ``sufficient 
resources and technology'' to make this information available in a 
secure format. The commenter believes that the necessary technology is 
available and the Commission resources would be minimal. Further, the 
commenter urges the Commission to develop a plan and a timeline for 
implementing such a system.
    Response: The Commission will continue to review this issue closely 
to determine whether it is feasible to make background investigation 
information available in a secure format.
    Comment: One commenter stated that there is potential for confusion 
and/or possible non-compliance when attempting to reconcile the 
requirements in 556.1, 556.6(b)(2), 558.1, and 558.3(b), because the 
perimeters of temporary versus permanent licenses are unclear in these 
sections. The commenter suggested that a revision to the regulations 
may not be necessary; however, additional guidance may be beneficial 
for applying the regulatory sections.
    Response: The Commission reviewed this provision and believes it is 
sufficiently clear. The Commission will examine whether it is 
appropriate to issue additional guidance for those sections.
    Comment: One commenter inquired whether a tribe would be out of 
compliance with 556.2(b)(2) and/or 558.3(b) if it allows for temporary 
employees to be used and/or issues temporary licenses for a period of 
90 days or less and it hires such temporary employee or individual with 
a temporary license as a key employee or primary management official 
during that time period.
    Response: Temporary licenses are used by tribes that choose to have 
individuals working in their gaming facilities while the individuals 
are undergoing the background investigation and licensing process. No 
key employee or primary management official can work at a gaming 
facility for longer than 90 days without a gaming license issued 
pursuant to parts 556 and 558. The tribe should implement the 
regulatory licensing process for a key employee or primary management 
official simultaneously with issuing a temporary license to ensure that 
a

[[Page 5277]]

permanent license is issued within 90 days of the individual beginning 
work.

556.4 Background Investigations

    Comment: Two commenters supported the revision to 556.4(b) to 
clarify that a tribe may use investigative materials obtained from the 
NIGC that were submitted by another tribe. Specifically, one commenter 
noted that information regarding an applicant's prior gaming licenses 
and disciplinary actions in relation to previously held licenses can be 
of great benefit to tribal governments in determining the suitability 
of an applicant and, among other things, can help verify the 
information provided in a license application.
    Response: The Commission agrees and has adopted the amendment in 
the proposed rule.
    Comment: Several commenters contended that requesting that an 
applicant provide a list of ``associations to which they pay dues'' is 
overly broad and unnecessary, and the Commission should not add this to 
the regulation concerning background investigation applications. One 
commenter disagrees, because a requirement to list and disclose all 
such associations provides valuable information concerning an 
applicant's suitability.
    Response: The Commission agrees with the majority of commenters 
that the addition of a requirement to provide a list of associations is 
unnecessary, because tribes may require any additional information they 
deem necessary through 556.4(a)(13). This broad provision should be 
sufficient for tribes to request a list of associations as well as any 
other information that they deem necessary for purposes of a background 
investigation.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the NIGC consider deleting 
556.4(c) mandating that tribal investigators ``shall keep confidential 
the identity of each person interviewed in the course of an 
investigation,'' because the rules of investigatory processes should be 
determined by each tribal jurisdiction. Further, the commenter is 
concerned that this provision may violate due process in certain tribal 
jurisdictions because an applicant would be denied the opportunity to 
confront an accuser.
    Response: IGRA requires background investigations for primary 
management officials and key employees. Accordingly, such 
investigations are conducted pursuant to Federal and tribal law. 
Confidentiality is an existing requirement under the current 
regulations and pilot program. Section 556.4(c) requires tribal gaming 
commissions to keep individual identities confidential to promote 
candor in interviews to determine an applicant's eligibility for a 
license. Confidentiality facilitates an interviewee's willingness to 
provide information during the process. A lack of candor in interviews 
could needlessly prolong the background investigation process and 
impact both tribal and federal resources. The Commission feels that the 
need for candid information outweighs any due process concerns.
    Comment: One commenter believed that the NIGC does not want to be 
notified every time a tribe does not license an individual because 
there are potentially thousands of applicants each year that a tribe 
does not license. The commenter explained that these applicants may 
have moved or found other employment before the background was 
completed or requested withdrawal for any number of reasons.
    Response: The Commission appreciates the potential for a large 
number of key employee and primary management official applicants a 
tribe may receive. However, the NIGC often receives notice regarding an 
applicant long before a complete application is submitted. Once a 
person has been entered into the NIGC system for fingerprints, a record 
is automatically created. If the NIGC does not receive notification 
that licensing action was not taken as to such persons, it will not 
have accurate and up to date information. Accurate information 
regarding the results of individuals seeking employment as key 
employees or primary management officials enhances the NIGC's ability 
to provide current investigative information as to particular 
individuals. Consequently, notifying the Commission of the results of a 
license application serves to maintain the integrity of Indian gaming.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that the Commission eliminate 
the requirement that background investigations include personal 
references.
    Response: Personal references help to implement IGRA's requirement 
that eligibility determinations include an evaluation of an 
individual's reputation, habits, and associations. See 25 U.S.C. 
2710(b)(2)(F). Such an evaluation is furthered by interviews conducted 
beyond the context of documented business relationships.
    Comment: One commenter supported a change to 556.4(b) that would 
allow tribes to rely on notice of results of an applicant already on 
file at NIGC and to simply update the investigation and investigation 
report, because this would save tribal resources.
    Response: The Commission understands the need to conserve tribal 
resources and agrees with this comment. Section 556.4(b) provides for a 
tribe to rely on materials on file with NIGC or with a previous tribal 
investigative body and to update those materials.

556.5 Tribal Eligibility Determination

    Comment: Two commenters stated that the NIGC should reconsider its 
decision against replacing the term ``eligibility'' with 
``suitability'' in 556.5. The commenter proposed that the standard for 
issuing a gaming license is based on the suitability of the applicant 
and the standard for hiring is based on the eligibility of the 
applicant and that hiring and licensing are done by different tribal 
entities.
    Response: The Commission disagrees in light of IGRA's language, 
which specifically requires that background investigation processes 
include an eligibility determination. See 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(F)(ii).

556.6 Report to the Commission

    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed regulation would 
require the tribe to send the notice of results before 60 days of 
employment and also requires a tribe to send a licensing decision 
notification prior to 90 days of employment. The commenter believes 
that the 60 day requirement should be eliminated, leaving only the 90 
day requirement.
    Response: IGRA requires two notifications: The first involves 
notifying the Commission of the results of the background check before 
the issuance of a license, and the second involves notifying the 
Commission of the issuance of the license. See 25 U.S.C. 
2710(b)(2)(F)(ii)(I) and (III). The Commission requires tribes to 
submit the notice of results within 60 days of employment to provide 
the Commission an opportunity to object while the tribe is still 
considering issuing the license. IGRA dictates that the NIGC has 30 
days to provide objections to a tribe regarding the issuance of a 
gaming license. See 25 U.S.C. 2710(c)(1). This 30 day time period, 
prior to the 90 day deadline for issuing a license, ensures that the 
NIGC's objections will be received prior to the issuance of a permanent 
license. See 25 U.S.C. 2710(c)(2).
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Commission adopt a 
single form to be used for the notice of results (NOR).
    Response: After careful review of this issue, the Commission has 
determined not to adopt a single form to be used for the notice of 
results. This will allow tribes greater flexibility over how the

[[Page 5278]]

information is submitted to the Commission.
    Comment: One commenter stated that submissions made pursuant to 
558.3 for purposes of the Indian Gaming Individuals Record System 
(IGIRS) should be voluntary, not mandatory, because a mandatory 
requirement exceeds the Commission's authority. Another commenter 
believes that mandatory submissions are overly burdensome.
    Response: The submissions to the IGIRS include the notice of 
results of the background check, the eligibility determination, and the 
notification of the licensing action. IGRA requires that tribes notify 
the Commission of background check results and subsequently notify the 
Commission of the issuance of a license. See 25 U.S.C. 
2710(b)(2)(F)(ii)(I) and (III). Receipt of these submissions serves to 
maintain the integrity of Indian gaming and promotes the ability of 
tribal regulators to receive accurate information concerning key 
employees and primary management officials.

 558.1 Scope of This Part

    Comment: Many commenters stated that they were pleased that the 
Commission added language to 558.1 to clarify that the regulations ``do 
not apply to any license that is intended to expire within 90 days of 
issuance.''
    Response: The Commission agrees and has decided to make this 
addition.

558.3 Notification to NIGC of License Issuance and Retention 
Obligations

    Comment: Two commenters supported 558.3(c)(2), which requires a 
tribe that does not license an applicant to forward the eligibility 
determination and any investigative report ``to the Commission for 
inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals Records System.'' However, 
one commenter believes that this submission should be discretionary, 
because a mandatory requirement would exceed NIGC's authority. Another 
commenter believes that, although this is a useful resource, the 
regulation should be voluntary instead of mandatory.
    Response: IGRA, 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(F)(ii)(I) and (III), requires 
tribes to submit results of background checks of key employees and 
primary management officials to the Commission, as well as to notify 
the Commission when licenses are issued to such employees. The 
Commission agrees with commenters' suggestion that submitting the full 
investigative report should be voluntary and, therefore, the submission 
is now limited to eligibility determinations, notice of background 
results, and licensing action notices.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the NIGC limit the 
notifications to NIGC in 558.3(c) to require notification to NIGC only 
if an applicant is unsuitable or has been denied a gaming license, by 
adding language to 558.3(c) that states, ``(c) if a tribe denies an 
applicant a license--'' or '' if a tribe finds an applicant unsuitable 
for licensing--,'' thereby eliminating the requirement that tribes 
notify the NIGC if an application is either incomplete or the 
investigative process is otherwise not completed. Other commenters 
stated that the requirement in 558.3(c) to notify NIGC if an applicant 
is not licensed is overly burdensome and fails to recognize benign 
reasons why a license is not issued.
    Response: The Commission disagrees. The suggested limitation would 
limit the NIGC's ability to provide accurate information on an 
individual applicant. Often, an individual is identified in the NIGC 
system before an application is complete or before the eligibility 
determination is made because fingerprints are processed first. Without 
information on every applicant, NIGC is unable to provide accurate 
investigative information to gaming tribes. Thus, licensing information 
on each applicant is necessary to ensure that accurate information is 
disseminated.
    Comment: A few commenters believed that determining the retention 
period for applications, investigation reports, and eligibility 
determinations should be a matter of tribal discretion and, therefore, 
558.3(e) should be revised or removed.
    Response: IGRA requires an adequate system to ensure that 
background investigations are conducted and that oversight of primary 
management officials and key employees is conducted on an ongoing 
basis. 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(F). A purpose of IGRA is to provide a 
statutory basis of gaming regulation by Indian tribes adequate to 
shield them from organized crime and other corrupting influences. The 
NIGC is tasked with creating regulations to implement IGRA. To 
implement IGRA's requirements consistent with that purpose of the 
legislation, the Commission believes that a three year minimum time 
period is appropriate. An alternative approach, as set forth in the 
current regulations, would be to provide the NIGC with all the 
necessary information, eliminating the three year time period. However, 
maintaining that approach would negate the positive aspects of the 
pilot program, including the reduction of the submission burden on 
tribes.

558.4 Notice of Information Impacting Eligibility and Licensee's Right 
to a Hearing

    Comment: One commenter stated that the word ``immediately'' in 
558.4(b) should be replaced with ``promptly'' to give the tribe more 
latitude, because the term ``promptly'' more closely conforms to the 
language contained in IGRA.
    Response: The Commission disagrees. IGRA's requirement that a tribe 
``shall suspend the license'' indicates that the tribe should act 
without delay. 25 U.S.C. 2710(c)(2). Therefore, IGRA provides no 
latitude in proceeding with the suspension of the license.
    Comment: One commenter suggested the term ``employment'' in 
558.4(a) be changed to ``licensure,'' because a gaming commission 
issues licenses and does not employ key employees or primary management 
officials.
    Response: The Commission carefully considered this issue and 
disagrees with the comment because IGRA mandates that tribes have an 
adequate system for assessing the eligibility of primary management 
officials and key employees for ``employment.'' 25 U.S.C. 
2710(b)(2)(F)(ii)(II).

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The proposed rule will not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. Moreover, Indian Tribes are not 
considered to be small entities for the purposes of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. The rule does not 
have an effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The rule will 
not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual 
industries, Federal, State, local government agencies or geographic 
regions, nor will the proposed rule have a significant adverse effect 
on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or 
the ability of the enterprises, to compete with foreign based 
enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Commission, as an independent regulatory agency, is exempt from 
compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502(1); 2 
U.S.C. 658(1).

[[Page 5279]]

Takings

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the Commission has 
determined that the proposed rule does not have significant takings 
implications. A takings implication assessment is not required.

Civil Justice Reform

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Commission has 
determined that the rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and 
meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Commission has determined that the rule does not constitute a 
major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment and that no detailed statement is required pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this rule were 
previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget as required 
by the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq., and assigned 
OMB Control Number 3141-0003. The OMB control number expires on October 
31, 2013.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Parts 556 and 558

    Gaming, Indian lands.

    For the reasons discussed in the Preamble, the Commission 25 CFR 
chapter III as follows:

0
1. Revise part 556 to read as follows:

PART 556--BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS FOR PRIMARY MANAGEMENT 
OFFICIALS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

Sec.
556.1 Scope of this part.
556.2 Privacy notice.
556.3 Notice regarding false statements.
556.4 Background investigations.
556.5 Tribal eligibility determination.
556.6 Report to the Commission.
556.7 Notice.
556.8 Compliance with this part.

    Authority:  25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.


Sec.  556.1  Scope of this part.

    Unless a tribal-state compact assigns sole jurisdiction to an 
entity other than a tribe with respect to background investigations, 
the requirements of this part apply to all class II and class III 
gaming. The procedures and standards of this part apply only to primary 
management officials and key employees. This part does not apply to any 
license that is intended to expire within 90 days of issuance.


Sec.  556.2  Privacy notice.

    (a) A tribe shall place the following notice 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 granted a gaming license. The information will be used by the 
Tribal gaming regulatory authorities and by the National Indian 
Gaming Commission (NIGC) members and staff who have need for the 
information in the performance of their official duties. The 
information may be disclosed by the Tribe or the NIGC 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 NIGC in connection with the issuance, denial, 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 license you for 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.

    (b) A tribe shall notify in writing existing key employees and 
primary management officials 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.
    (c) All license application forms used one-hundred eighty (180) 
days after February 25, 2013 shall comply with this section.


Sec.  556.3  Notice regarding false statements.

    (a) A tribe shall place the following notice on the application 
form for a key employee or a primary management official before that 
form is filled out by an applicant:

    A false statement on any part of your license application may be 
grounds for denying a license or the suspension or revocation of a 
license. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. 
Code, title 18, section 1001).

    (b) A tribe 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.
    (c) All license application forms used 180 days after February 25, 
2013 shall comply with this section.


Sec.  556.4  Background investigations.

    A tribe shall perform a background investigation for each primary 
management official and for each key employee of a gaming operation.
    (a) A tribe shall request from each primary management official and 
from each key employee all of the following information:
    (1) Full name, other names used (oral or written), social security 
number(s), birth date, place of birth, citizenship, gender, all 
languages (spoken or written);
    (2) Currently and for the previous five 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 listed under paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section;
    (4) Current business and residence telephone numbers;
    (5) A description of any existing and previous business 
relationships with Indian tribes, including ownership interests in 
those businesses;
    (6) A description of any existing and previous business 
relationships with the gaming industry generally, including ownership 
interests in those businesses;
    (7) 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;
    (8) For each felony for which there is an ongoing prosecution or a 
conviction, the charge, the name and address of the court involved, and 
the date and disposition if any;
    (9) 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;
    (10) For each criminal charge (excluding minor traffic charges) 
whether or not there is a conviction, if such criminal charge is within 
10 years of the date of the application and is not otherwise listed 
pursuant to paragraph

[[Page 5280]]

(a)(8) or (a)(9) of this section, the criminal charge, the name and 
address of the court involved and the date and disposition;
    (11) 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;
    (12) A photograph;
    (13) Any other information a tribe deems relevant; and
    (14) Fingerprints consistent with procedures adopted by a tribe 
according to Sec.  522.2(h) of this chapter.
    (b) If, in the course of a background investigation, a tribe 
discovers that the applicant has a notice of results on file with the 
NIGC from a prior investigation and the tribe has access to the earlier 
investigative materials (either through the NIGC or the previous tribal 
investigative body), the tribe may rely on those materials and update 
the investigation and investigative report under Sec.  556.6(b)(1).
    (c) In conducting a background investigation, a tribe or its agents 
shall keep confidential the identity of each person interviewed in the 
course of the investigation.


Sec.  556.5  Tribal eligibility determination.

    A tribe shall conduct an investigation sufficient to make an 
eligibility determination.
    (a) To make a finding concerning the eligibility of a key employee 
or primary management official for granting of a gaming license, an 
authorized tribal official shall review a person's:
    (1) Prior activities;
    (2) Criminal record, if any; and
    (3) Reputation, habits and associations.
    (b) If the authorized tribal official, in applying the standards 
adopted in a tribal ordinance, determines that licensing of the person 
poses a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation of 
gaming, or creates or enhances the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or 
illegal practices and methods and activities in the conduct of gaming, 
an authorizing tribal official shall not license that person in a key 
employee or primary management official position.


Sec.  556.6  Report to the Commission.

    (a) When a tribe employs a primary management official or a key 
employee, the tribe shall maintain a complete application file 
containing the information listed under Sec.  556.4(a)(1) through (14).
    (b) Before issuing a license to a primary management official or to 
a key employee, a tribe shall:
    (1) Create and maintain an investigative report on each background 
investigation. 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) Submit a notice of results of the applicant's background 
investigation to the Commission no later than sixty (60) days after the 
applicant begins work. The notice of results shall contain:
    (i) Applicant's name, date of birth, and social security number;
    (ii) Date on which applicant began or will begin work as key 
employee or primary management official;
    (iii) A summary of the information presented in the investigative 
report, which shall at a minimum include a listing of:
    (A) Licenses that have previously been denied;
    (B) Gaming licenses that have been revoked, even if subsequently 
reinstated;
    (C) Every known criminal charge brought against the applicant 
within the last 10 years of the date of application; and
    (D) Every felony of which the applicant has been convicted or any 
ongoing prosecution.
    (iv) A copy of the eligibility determination made under Sec.  
556.5.


Sec.  556.7  Notice.

    (a) All notices under this part shall be provided to the Commission 
through the appropriate Regional office.
    (b) Should a tribe wish to submit notices electronically, it should 
contact the appropriate Regional office for guidance on acceptable 
document formats and means of transmission.


Sec.  556.8  Compliance with this part.

    All tribal gaming ordinances and ordinance amendments approved by 
the Chair prior to the February 25, 2013 and that reference this part, 
do not need to be amended to comply with this part. All future 
ordinance submissions, however, must comply.

0
2. Revise part 558 to read as follows:

PART 558--GAMING LICENSES FOR KEY EMPLOYEES AND PRIMARY MANAGEMENT 
OFFICIALS

Sec.
558.1 Scope of this part.
558.2 Review of notice of results for a key employee or primary 
management official.
558.3 Notification to NIGC of license decisions and retention 
obligations
558.4 Notice of disqualifying information and licensee right to a 
hearing.
558.5 Submission of notices.
558.6 Compliance with this part.

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.


Sec.  558.1  Scope of this part.

    Unless a tribal-state compact assigns responsibility to an entity 
other than a tribe, the licensing authority for class II or class III 
gaming is a tribal authority. The procedures and standards of this part 
apply only to licenses for primary management officials and key 
employees. This part does not apply to any license that is intended to 
expire within 90 days of issuance.


Sec.  558.2  Review of notice of results for a key employee or primary 
management official.

    (a) Upon receipt of a complete notice of results for a key employee 
or primary management official as required by Sec.  556.6(b)(2) of this 
chapter, the Chair has 30 days to request additional information from a 
tribe concerning the applicant or licensee and to object.
    (b) If the Commission has no objection to issuance of a license, it 
shall notify the tribe within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of 
results pursuant to Sec.  556.6(b)(2) of this chapter.
    (c) If, within the 30-day period described in Sec.  558.3(a), the 
Commission provides the tribe with a statement itemizing objections to 
the issuance of a license to a key employee or to a primary management 
official applicant for whom the tribe has provided a notice of results, 
the tribe shall reconsider the application, taking into account the 
objections itemized by the Commission. The tribe shall make the final 
decision whether to issue a license to such applicant.
    (d) If the tribe has issued the license before receiving the 
Commission's statement of objections, notice and hearing shall be 
provided to the licensee as provided by Sec.  558.4.


Sec.  558.3  Notification to NIGC of license decisions and retention 
obligations.

    (a) After a tribe has provided a notice of results of the 
background check to the Commission, a tribe may license a primary 
management official or key employee.
    (b) Within 30 days after the issuance of the license, a tribe shall 
notify the Commission of its issuance.
    (c) A gaming operation shall not employ a key employee or primary 
management official who does not have a license after ninety (90) days.
    (d) If a tribe does not license an applicant--
    (1) The tribe shall notify the Commission; and
    (2) Shall forward copies of its eligibility determination and 
notice of

[[Page 5281]]

results, under Sec.  556.6(b)(2) of this chapter, to the Commission for 
inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals Record System.
    (e) A tribe shall retain the following for inspection by the Chair 
or his or her designee for no less than three years from the date of 
termination of employment:
    (1) Applications for licensing;
    (2) Investigative reports; and
    (3) Eligibility determinations.


Sec.  558.4  Notice of information impacting eligibility and licensee's 
right to a hearing.

    (a) If, after the issuance of a gaming license, the Commission 
receives reliable information indicating that a key employee or a 
primary management official is not eligible for employment under Sec.  
556.5 of this chapter, the Commission shall notify the issuing tribe of 
the information.
    (b) Upon receipt of such notification under paragraph (a) of this 
section, a tribe shall immediately suspend the license and shall 
provide the licensee with written notice of suspension and proposed 
revocation.
    (c) A tribe shall notify the licensee of a time and a place for a 
hearing on the proposed revocation of a license.
    (d) A right to a hearing under this part shall vest only upon 
receipt of a license granted under an ordinance approved by the Chair.
    (e) After a revocation hearing, a tribe shall decide to revoke or 
to reinstate a gaming license. A tribe shall notify the Commission of 
its decision within 45 days of receiving notification from the 
Commission pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.


Sec.  558.5  Submission of notices.

    (a) All notices under this part shall be provided to the Commission 
through the appropriate Regional office.
    (b) Should a tribe wish to submit notices electronically, it should 
contact the appropriate Regional office for guidance on acceptable 
document formats and means of transmission.


Sec.  558.6  Compliance with this part.

    All tribal gaming ordinances and ordinance amendments that have 
been approved by the Chair prior to February 25, 2013 and that 
reference this part do not need to be amended to comply with this 
section. All future ordinance submissions, however, must comply.

    Dated: January 17, 2013, Washington, DC.
Tracie L. Stevens,
Chairwoman.
Daniel J. Little,
Associate Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 2013-01315 Filed 1-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7565-02-P