[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[National Indian Gaming Commission Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



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Part LXII



National Indian Gaming Commission



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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION (NIGC)                               




_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

25 CFR Ch. III

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: National Indian Gaming Commission.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission today is publishing an 
agenda of its open and anticipated rulemaking actions. The agenda is a 
general announcement to the public intended to provide notice of 
rulemaking actions in which the public may wish to participate. In the 
near future, the Commission intends to issue Notices of Proposed 
Rulemaking or Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking for the 
classification, review, and approval of games and devices used in 
tribal gaming; rules concerning practice before the Commission; rules 
concerning hearings and appeals procedures; rules concerning 
enforcement; rules concerning definitions; rules revising the scope and 
review of management contracts; rules concerning net gaming revenue; 
rules revising tribal background investigation submission requirements 
and timing; rules concerning administrative fees; rules concerning 
public health and safety compliance; rules concerning compulsory 
process and testimony of employees; rules revising Freedom of 
Information Act Procedures; rules concerning gaming facility licensing 
standards; and rules concerning technical amendments to the Minimum 
Internal Control Standards. The Commission invites questions and public 
comment on individual agenda items.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Penny J. Coleman, National Indian 
Gaming Commission, 1441 L Street NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, 
(202) 632-7003 (not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Executive Order 12866 
``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
5 U.S.C. 605, executive agencies are required to publish semiannual 
regulatory agendas in the Federal Register in April and October of each 
year.

    The regulations being considered by the Commission are not 
``significant'' rules within the meaning of E.O. 12866, and no 
regulatory impact analysis is required. The Commission also has 
determined, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, that the 
regulations under consideration will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Accordingly, no Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is required. The 
proposed rules are not covered under section 202 of the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act (Pub. L. 104-4), as they are not Federal 
mandates that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more 
in any 1 year by State, local, or tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or the private sector. Further, these proposed rules are 
not considered major under 5 U.S.C. 801 enacted by Public Law 104-
121 and, therefore, are not subject to section 801's 60-day 
deferral requirement.

Montie R. Deer,

Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

                                                  Prerule Stage
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4356         Environment and Public Health and Safety.............................................    3141-AA17
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                                               Proposed Rule Stage
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4357         Game Classification..................................................................    3141-AA12
4358         Compulsory Process and Testimony of Employees........................................    3141-AA20
4359         Gaming Facility Licensing Standards..................................................    3141-AA23
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                                                Long-Term Actions
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4360         Practice Before the Commission.......................................................    3141-AA07
4361         Hearings and Appeals Procedure.......................................................    3141-AA08
4362         Enforcement..........................................................................    3141-AA09
4363         Definitions..........................................................................    3141-AA10
4364         Management Contracts.................................................................    3141-AA13
4365         Net Gaming Revenue...................................................................    3141-AA14
4366         Tribal Background Investigation Submission Requirements and Timing...................    3141-AA15
4367         Administrative Fees..................................................................    3141-AA16
4368         Freedom of Information Act Procedures (Amendments)...................................    3141-AA21

[[Page 22375]]

 
4369         Technical Amendments to the Minimum Internal Control Standards.......................    3141-AA24
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                                                Completed Actions
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
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4370         Minimum Internal Control Standards for Tribal Gaming Operations......................    3141-AA11
4371         Self-Regulation Certification for Class III Gaming Operations........................    3141-AA22
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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION (NIGC)                  Prerule Stage




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4356. ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2710(b)(2)(E)

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 573

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: It is necessary for the NIGC to promulgate regulations which 
ensure that tribal gaming facilities are constructed and maintained in 
a manner which protects the environment and the public health and 
safety.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Todd J. Araujo, Attorney, National Indian Gaming 
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA17
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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION (NIGC)            Proposed Rule Stage




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4357. GAME CLASSIFICATION

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2703; 25 USC 2706

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will establish processes for the classification, 
review, and approval of games and devices used in tribal gaming.

Statement of Need: Over the course of the past couple of years, the 
NIGC has received numerous requests for advisory opinions on the 
classification of a particular game or device. The Commission has 
through an informal process issued several advisory opinions. However, 
given the growing number of requests and the need for some degree of 
predictability and certainty in the industry regarding the 
classification of games or devices, the Commission believes it is 
necessary to develop a formal process. Consequently, the Commission 
will use the rulemaking process to promulgate regulations in this area.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 
specifically defines both Class II and Class III gaming (25 USC section 
2703). The Act also expressly authorizes the Commission to ``promulgate 
such regulations and guidelines as it deems appropriate to implement 
the provisions of this Act (25 USC section 2706 (b)(10)).'' The 
Commission relies on these sections of the statute to authorize the 
development by regulation of a process of formal classification of 
particular games and devices.

Alternatives: At this time, the only identified alternative is to 
continue with the informal process of issuing advisory opinions 
regarding particular games.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The potential benefits to this 
regulatory action are to bring more clarity and predictability to the 
industry regarding classification. Those engaged in Indian gaming need 
to have some degree of certainty regarding the legal consequences of 
playing a particular game. For those tribes without tribal-State 
compacts, the need is even greater to know with as much certainty as 
possible the classification of a particular game or device. The 
anticipated costs of implementing a classification system are unknown 
at this time.

Risks: The only identifiable risk at this time is the ability to pay 
for a formal classification process. The Commission is trying to expand 
its budget by lifting the statutory fee cap. These actions may be 
connected because without an increase in funding, it is highly unlikely 
that the Commission could afford to develop a formal classification 
system.

[[Page 22376]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny Coleman, Deputy General Counsel, National Indian 
Gaming Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA12
_______________________________________________________________________




4358. COMPULSORY PROCESS AND TESTIMONY OF EMPLOYEES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2706; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of these rules is to establish a procedure for 
the testimony of employees of the National Indian Gaming Commission in 
any judicial or administrative proceeding.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard B. Schiff, Senior Attorney, National Indian 
Gaming Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________




4359. GAMING FACILITY LICENSING STANDARDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2706(b)(10); 25 USC 2710(b); 25 USC 2710(d)

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 522.4(b)(6); 25 CFR 522.6(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule establishes minimum standards which tribes will 
adopt when they license gaming facilities within their reservations 
pursuant to 25 USC 2710(b) and their tribal gaming ordinances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Mai Dinh, Staff Attorney, National Indian Gaming 
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA23
_______________________________________________________________________


NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION (NIGC)              Long-Term Actions




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4360. PRACTICE BEFORE THE COMMISSION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA07
_______________________________________________________________________




4361. HEARINGS AND APPEALS PROCEDURE

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 522; 25 CFR 523; 25 CFR 524; 25 CFR 533; 25 CFR 
535; 25 CFR 539; 25 CFR 573; 25 CFR 575; 25 CFR 577

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard B. Schiff
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA08
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4362. ENFORCEMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 573

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




4363. DEFINITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 502

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA10
_______________________________________________________________________




4364. MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 531; 25 CFR 533; 25 CFR 536

[[Page 22377]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA13
_______________________________________________________________________




4365. NET GAMING REVENUE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 571; 25 CFR 573

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________




4366. TRIBAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 556; 25 CFR 558

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________




4367. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 514

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Penny J. Coleman
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA16
_______________________________________________________________________




4368. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROCEDURES (AMENDMENTS)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 517.3; 25 CFR 517.6; 25 CFR 517.8

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne McLaughlin
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________




4369. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 542

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Mai Dinh
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________


NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION (NIGC)              Completed Actions




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4370. MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS FOR TRIBAL GAMING OPERATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2702; 25 USC 2706(b)(10)

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 542; 25 CFR 573

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule establishes minimum internal control standards for 
tribal gaming operations, including standards for auditing, debt 
collection, accounting, and security.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/05/98                    63 FR 10798
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/05/98
Final Action                    01/05/99                      64 FR 589
Final Action Effective          02/04/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Mai Dinh, Staff Attorney, National Indian Gaming 
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA11
_______________________________________________________________________




4371. SELF-REGULATION CERTIFICATION FOR CLASS III GAMING OPERATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  25 USC 2706(b)(10); 25 USC 2717

CFR Citation:  25 CFR 518

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will implement the issuance of certificates 
of self-regulation for class III gaming operations.

[[Page 22378]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/12/98                    63 FR 12323
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/11/98
Withdrawn - See PL 105-277      10/21/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Maria Getoff, Staff Attorney, National Indian Gaming 
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202 632-7003
Fax: 202 632-7066

RIN: 3141-AA22
[FR Doc. 99-5651 Filed 04-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7565-01-F
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