96-18447. Indian Tribal Justice Support  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 147 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 39606-39612]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-18447]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Bureau of Indian Affairs
    
    25 CFR Part 92
    
    RIN 1076-AD15
    
    
    Indian Tribal Justice Support
    
    AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is proposing to establish 
    regulations as mandated by the Indian Tribal Justice Act. The Indian 
    Tribal Justice Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish 
    a base funding formula for the distribution of appropriations. The BIA 
    will use this rule to determine the funding levels to be awarded to 
    eligible Indian tribes for use in establishing or enhancing traditional 
    or contemporary justice systems.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 30, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Mail comments to Bettie Rushing, Office of Tribal Services, 
    Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 1849 C St. NW, 
    Mail Stop 4603-MIB, Washington, DC 20240; or, hand deliver them to Room 
    4603 at the above address. Comments will be available for inspection at 
    this address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning 
    approximately 2 weeks after publication of this document in the Federal 
    Register.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bettie Rushing, Office of Tribal 
    Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs at telephone (202) 208-3463.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Indian Tribal Justice Act (ITJA) was 
    enacted on December 3, 1993. Section 103 of the ITJA requires the BIA 
    to develop a Base Support Funding Formula in consultation with Indian 
    tribes, 25 U.S.C. 3613(c). The BIA will use the Base Support Funding 
    Formula to distribute annual appropriations under Section 201 of the 
    ITJA, 25 U.S.C. 3621.
        A Base Funding Support Formula was drafted by Carey Vicenti, former 
    Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Tribal Services and 
    presented to a group representing the geographical areas served by the 
    BIA, tribal courts, traditional courts, tribal judicial conferences, 
    Indian court clerks, Indian court judges, tribes, national support 
    organizations, and other justice systems, September 21-23, 1994, in 
    Reno, Nevada, at the National Judicial College. The purpose of the 
    September 1994
    
    [[Page 39607]]
    
    meeting was to discuss the Base Support Funding Formula and the survey 
    of tribal justice systems.
        This same funding formula was presented at the BIA Office of Tribal 
    Services' National Tribal Consultation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 
    20-22, 1995. Following an explanation of the formula by Judge William 
    S. Christian, San Ildefonso Pueblo Tribal Court, lengthy discussion and 
    modification, it was accepted by consultation participants. This 
    publication includes changes made in response to recommendations 
    received during and after the June 1995 National Tribal Consultation 
    and the considerable work done by Judge Christian.
        The proposed formula must be approved and published as a final rule 
    before any appropriated base support funding may be made available to 
    Indian tribes. The structure of the formula balances the interests of 
    smaller tribes and tribes with larger populations, larger land 
    holdings, and greater demographic features.
        Base support funding is the sum of the Minimum Funding and Factor-
    based Funding, if any, available to a tribe. Minimum Funding provides a 
    flexible mechanism to fund small tribes, without regard to 
    characteristics such as isolation, type of justice systems or stage of 
    development, caseload, or other demographic information (see 
    Sec. 92.16). Every tribe that applies for base support funding will 
    receive Minimum Funding calculated according to Sec. 92.17. In any year 
    that the appropriation is $20 million or less, the entire amount will 
    be set aside for Minimum Funding. When appropriations are greater than 
    $20 million, the amount set aside for equal distribution among the 
    requesting tribes will decrease until it represents 20 percent of the 
    full appropriation authorization of $50 million, 25 U.S.C. 3621(b); 
    this is calculated according to the algebraic formula in Sec. 92.17 
    which provides a sliding proportion which changes as appropriations 
    rise and fall. The proposed minimum funding formula for total 
    appropriations greater than $20 million that is described in 
    Sec. 92.17(b) was derived by the algebraic derivation of the line 
    illustrated in the graph below. This line is defined as the straight 
    line that passes through two points: 100 percent minimum funding when 
    the total appropriated base support funding is $20 million, and 20 
    percent minimum funding when the total appropriated base support 
    funding is $50 million. This information was used to derive the 
    following formula:
    
        Y=1.533333-0.026667X
    BILLING CODE 4310-02-P
    
    [[Page 39608]]
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP30JY96.002
    
    
    
    BILLING CODE 4310-02-C
        In this formula, Y is the proportion of the total appropriated base 
    support funding that is allocated for minimum funding, and X is the 
    total appropriated base support funding in millions of dollars. Y is 
    calculated as 1.53333 minus the product of 0.026667 and X. When the 
    total appropriated base support funding is greater than $20 million, 
    the allocation of minimum funding for each eligible tribe is calculated 
    in Sec. 92.17(b) by dividing the product of Y and X by the number of 
    eligible tribes.
        Tribes documenting the factors listed in Sec. 92.18 will also 
    receive factor based funding when the appropriation is greater than $20 
    million. Under such circumstances, the factor-based points for each 
    eligible tribe will be scored by BIA from the information which tribes 
    submitted; the sum of factor-based points for all eligible tribes will 
    be tallied. The remainder of the appropriation not required for Minimum 
    Funding will be divided by the sum of the factor-based points to 
    determine the value of each. Each tribe will then (when the 
    appropriation is greater than $20 million) receive total base support 
    funding according to (1) the number of factor-based points it has 
    scored multiplied by the value per point, plus (2) a share of the 
    Minimum Funding as divided equally among all tribes.
        Example A. Congress appropriates $10 million for base support 
    funding of tribal justice systems. 250 tribes apply for Minimum 
    Funding; 240 tribes also apply for Factor-based Funding, with a total 
    number of factor based points of 12,000.
        $10 million is below the threshold level of $20 million for Factor-
    based Funding, therefore, no Factor-based Funding would be available. 
    The 250 tribes would each receive Minimum Funding in the amount of 1/
    250 of $10 million, or $40,000.
        Example B. Congress appropriates $30 million for base support 
    funding of tribal justice systems. 300 tribes apply for Minimum 
    funding; 290 tribes also apply for Factor-based Funding, with a total 
    number of factor-based points of 22,230.
        The amount appropriated exceeds the threshold level of $20 million 
    for Factor-based Funding.
        First, the amount of Minimum Funding is calculated using the 
    formula, Y equals 1.533333-0.026667X. Y is the proportion of the 
    appropriation to be allocated for Minimum Funding and X is the total 
    appropriation expressed in millions of dollars 
    [1.533333-0.026667(30)=0.73] In this and in the following examples, 
    intermediate calculations are not rounded; however, displayed results 
    are shown rounded to only two decimal places. Seventy-three percent 
    (73%) of the appropriation is allocated for Minimum funding and each 
    tribe would receive: .73($30,000,000)/300-$73,332.30.
        The remainder of the appropriation is allocated to the 290 tribes 
    which applied for Factor-based Funding according to their part of the 
    cumulative 22,230 points: 100 percent minus 73 percent times 
    $30,000,000 divided by 22,230 points=$359.88 per factor-based point.
        A tribe requesting Base Support Funding or Minimum Funding would 
    receive $73,332.30. If the same tribe also submitted a request for 
    Factor-based Funding and scored 82 factor points, the tribe would 
    receive: $73,332.20 + 82($359.88)=$102,842.09.
        It is useful to note the effects that this formula will have on the 
    funding that tribes will receive if appropriations vary from year to 
    year. It appears that as appropriation levels go from low to the fully 
    authorized level, the funding of large tribes will generally rise; the 
    funding levels of small tribes may not rise and may decrease. The 
    results shown in the next example use the same basic situation as 
    described in Example B. Also, while requesting tribe L scores 82 factor 
    points, requesting tribe S scores 8 factor points. The appropriations 
    are for several different levels as though they occurred in successive 
    years.
        Example C. 300 tribes apply for Minimum Funding; 290 tribes also 
    apply for Factor-based Funding, with a total number of factor-based 
    points of 22,230. Requesting tribe L is eligible for Minimum Funding 
    and is scored for 82 factor-based points; requesting tribe S is
    
    [[Page 39609]]
    
    also eligible for Minimum Funding and is scored for 8 factor-based 
    points.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Total funding    Total Funding 
     FY appropriation ($   Minimum funding   to tribe L in    to tribe S in 
          million)            (percent)         dollars          dollars    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    13..................           100            43,333           43,333   
    19..................           100            63,333           63,333   
    21..................            97            70,199           68,335   
    30..................            73           102,843           76,211   
    40..................            47           140,915            69898   
    50..................            20           180,882           47,726   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Base Support Funding will be made available to each federally 
    recognized tribe that submits a timely application. Tribes must request 
    Base Support Funding through their respective area offices within 20 
    days of the beginning of each Federal fiscal year. Tribes not making a 
    timely request will be excluded from funding for that fiscal year. 
    Postmarks will govern timeliness and hand-carried materials will not be 
    accepted.
        This formula addresses only the ``Base Support Funding Formula'' 
    requirements of Section 103 of the ITJA, 25 U.S.C. 3613. This rule does 
    not include the authorization and distribution of funds for the Office 
    of Tribal Justice Support, survey of tribal judicial systems, or tribal 
    judicial conferences (see 25 U.S.C. 3611, 3612, 3614 and 3621). 
    Regulations will be prepared, if necessary, at a later date. The tribal 
    self-governance, or ``compacting,'' aspects of those Sections will be 
    considered then.
        The Department of the Interior (Department) requested that the 
    Bureau of Indian Affairs solicit comments to the following:
        (1) Should the threshold that triggers the use of factor-based 
    funding be lowered to less than $20 million? If so, should a percentage 
    of annual appropriations (for example 30%) or a fixed amount (for 
    example $5 million) of annual appropriations be distributed equally 
    among applicant tribes?
        The Department is concerned that no funds have been appropriated 
    for the Indian Tribal Justice Act and the Administration forecasts a 
    decrease in future Department of the Interior budgets, not an increase. 
    In light of budget projections which indicate it will be difficult to 
    secure funding for new initiatives such as tribal justice support, the 
    Department questions whether any appropriation would be large enough to 
    reach the $20 million threshold for allocating factor-based funding 
    (see Sec. 92.13(a)(2)). Funds would then be distributed equally among 
    applicant tribes, without consideration of factors such as population, 
    case load, complexity of cases, etc.
        (2) Should the formula be revised so that no tribe would receive a 
    reduced amount as appropriations increase? Factor-based funding is a 
    sliding proportion of each appropriation (see Sec. 92.17). Under the 
    current formula, smaller tribes will receive reduced funding when 
    appropriations reach $31 million (see examples B and C above). The 
    Department recommends that tribes consider a formula that distributes a 
    portion of each appropriation equally among all tribes and the 
    remainder above a specific threshold be distributed based on factor-
    based points. For example: if the threshold is $15 million and $25 
    million is appropriated, $15 million would be distributed equally and 
    the remaining $10 million would be distributed based on factor-based 
    points.
    
    Evaluation and Certification
    
        The authority to issue rules and regulations is vested in the 
    Secretary of the Interior by 5 U.S.C. 301 and sections 463 and 465 of 
    the Revised Statutes, 25 U.S.C. 2 and 9.
    
    Public Participation Statement
    
        Publication of the proposed rule by the Department of the Interior 
    (Department) provides the public an opportunity to participate in the 
    rulemaking process. Interested persons may submit written comments 
    regarding the proposed rule to the location identified in the 
    ``addresses'' section of this document.
    
    Executive Order 12778
    
        The Department has certified to the Office of Management and Budget 
    (OMB) that these proposed regulations meet the applicable standards 
    provided in sections 2(a) and 2(b)(2) of Executive Order 12778.
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        This proposed rule is a significant regulatory action under 
    Executive Order 12866 and has been reviewed by the Office of Management 
    and Budget.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
    Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This proposed rule will determine the 
    funding levels to be awarded to tribes for the purposes of creating new 
    or enhancing and improving existing tribal court systems. In the event 
    a tribe elects to receive funding, there are likely to be improvements 
    in the exercise of civil jurisdiction by tribes. This improvement may 
    increase the rate of civil collections by private economic enterprises 
    operating on or near Indian reservations. In addition, there may be an 
    increase in the number of civil claims made against private economic 
    enterprises.
    
    Executive Order 12630
    
        The Department has determined that this proposed rule does not have 
    ``significant'' takings implications. The proposed rule does not 
    pertain to ``taking'' of private property interests, nor does it impact 
    private property.
    
    Executive Order 12612
    
        The Department has determined that this proposed rule does not have 
    significant federalism effects because it pertains solely to Federal-
    tribal relations and will not interfere with the roles, rights and 
    responsibilities of states.
    
    NEPA Statement
    
        The Department has determined that this proposed 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.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    
        Sections 92.16 and 92.19 contain information collection 
    requirements. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
    U.S.C. 3507(d)), the Department of the Interior has submitted a copy of 
    these sections to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its 
    review.
        Indian tribes and tribal organizations are eligible for funds to 
    develop, enhance, and continue the operation of tribal justice systems 
    and traditional tribal justice systems. The information to be collected 
    includes: Assurances to meet certain statutory requirements; a 
    supporting tribal resolution; and specific information regarding the 
    tribe and its tribal justice system.
        All information is to be collected annually from each applicant. 
    The annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of 
    information is estimated to average 50 hours for each response for 554 
    respondents, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
    existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
    completing and review collection of information. Thus, the total annual 
    reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection is estimated to 
    be 27,700 hours.
        Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the 
    information collection requirement
    
    [[Page 39610]]
    
    should direct them to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
    OMB, Room 10202, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; 
    Attention: Desk Officer for the U.S. Department of the Interior.
        The Department considers comments by the public on this proposed 
    collection of information in--
        Evaluating whether the proposed collection of information is 
    necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
    Department, including whether the information will have practical 
    utility;
        Evaluating the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden 
    of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
    the methodology and assumptions used;
        Enhancing the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information 
    to be collected; and
        Minimizing the burden of the collection of information on those who 
    are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
    electronic, mechanical, or other collection techniques or other forms 
    of information technology.
        OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of 
    information contained in these proposed regulations between 30 and 60 
    days after publication of this document in the Federal Register. 
    Therefore, a comment to the OMB is best assured of having its full 
    effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. This does not 
    affect the deadline for the public to comment to the Bureau of Indian 
    Affairs on the proposed regulations.
    
    Drafting Information
    
        The primary author of this document was Carey N. Vicenti, the 
    former Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Tribal 
    Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior.
    
    List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 92
    
        Indians--courts, Indians--law.
    
        For the reasons given in the preamble, part 92 of Title 25, chapter 
    I of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be added as set 
    forth below.
    
    PART 92--INDIAN TRIBAL JUSTICE SUPPORT
    
    Subpart A--Policy and Definitions
    
    Sec.
    92.1  Policy.
    92.2  Definitions.
    92.3  Information Collection.
    92.4-92.9  [Reserved].
    
    Subpart B--Base Support Funding Formula for Indian Tribal Justice 
    Systems
    
    92.10  What is the purpose of the base support funding formula for 
    Indian tribal justice systems?
    92.11  What is base support funding?
    92.12  How may tribes use base supporting?
    92.13  How is base support funding distributed?
    92.14  Under what authority is base support funding distributed?
    92.15  Who is eligible to receive base support funding?
    92.16  How does a tribe, tribal organization or tribal consortium 
    apply for minimum funding?
    92.17  How is minimum funding calculated?
    92.18  How does a tribe, tribal organization or tribal consortium 
    apply for factor-based funding?
    92.19  How is factor-based funding calculated?
    92.20-92.100  [Reserved]
    
        Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 13, 200, 3601, et seq.
    
    Subpart A--Policy and Definitions
    
    
    Sec. 92.1  Policy.
    
        Tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal governments 
    and serve as important forums for ensuring public health and safety and 
    the political integrity of tribal governments. The Congress, through 
    statutes, treaties, and the exercise of administrative authorities, has 
    recognized the self-determination, self-reliance, and inherent 
    sovereignty of Indian tribes to establish their own form of government, 
    including tribal justice systems.
    
    
    Sec. 92.2  Definitions.
    
        Base support means the Federal funds appropriated under the Indian 
    Tribal Justice Act that are available for Indian Tribal Justice Support 
    under 25 CFR part 92.
        Base support funding formula means the formula for the base support 
    of a tribal justice system consisting of the sum of a Minimum Funding 
    and Factor-based Funding.
        Bureau means Bureau of Indian Affairs.
        Closing date means the date advertised in the Federal Register as 
    the final date for the submission of an Indian Tribal Justice Act 
    (ITJA) funding request.
        Courts of Indian Offenses means the courts established pursuant to 
    25 CFR part 11.
        Factor-based Funding means a level of funding established on the 
    weight of specified information and facts.
        Indian country means all dependent Indian communities within the 
    borders of the United States whether within the original or 
    subsequently acquired territory thereof, and all Indian allotments, the 
    Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including rights-of-
    way running through the same.
        Indian reservation means any Federally established Indian 
    reservation, public domain Indian allotment, former Indian reservation 
    in Oklahoma, or lands held by incorporated Native groups, regional 
    corporations, or village corporations under the provisions of the 
    Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
        Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo or other 
    organized group or community, including any Alaska Native entity, which 
    administers justice under its inherent authority or the authority of 
    the United States and which is recognized as eligible for the special 
    programs and services provided by the United States to Indian tribes 
    because of their status as Indians.
        Minimum Funding means a level of funding established by a formula 
    as the minimum entitlement of a requesting tribe.
        Must is used in place of shall and indicates a mandatory or 
    imperative act or requirement.
        Office of Tribal Justice Support means the office established 
    within the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
        Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
        Traditional justice system means the traditional judicial or 
    dispute resolution practices of the tribe.
        Tribal organization means the recognized governing body of any 
    Indian tribe or any legally established organization of Indians which 
    is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such a governing body or 
    which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian 
    community to be served by the organization and which includes the 
    maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities 
    provided that where a contract is let or grant made to an organization 
    to perform services benefitting more than one Indian tribe, each tribe 
    must approve before a contract or grant awarded.
        Tribal justice system means the entire judicial branch, and 
    employees thereof, of an Indian tribe, including (but not limited to) 
    traditional methods and forums for dispute resolution, lower courts, 
    appellate courts (including intertribal appellate courts), alternative 
    dispute resolution systems, and circuit rider systems, established by 
    inherent tribal authority whether or not they constitute a court of 
    record.
        Tribal official, means an elected official or any other official 
    designated
    
    [[Page 39611]]
    
    under tribal law to request ITJA funding.
    
    
    Sec. 92.3  Information collection.
    
        The information collection requirement contained in Secs. 92.16 and 
    19.19 will be approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3507(d), and assigned 
    clearance number ------------------. The information is collected when 
    tribes apply for base support funding for Indian tribal justice 
    systems.
    
    
    Secs. 92.4-92.9  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart B--Base Support Funding Formula for Indian Tribal Justice 
    Systems
    
    
    Sec. 92.10  What is the purpose of the base support funding formula for 
    Indian tribal justice systems?
    
        The purpose of the formula described in this section is to provide 
    an allocation mechanism for funding to Indian tribes and tribal 
    organizations for the development, enhancement, and continuing 
    operation of tribal justice systems.
    
    
    Sec. 92.11  What is base support funding?
    
        Base support funding consists of Federal funds appropriated under 
    the Indian Tribal Justice Act for tribal justice systems, 25 U.S.C. 
    3613. The total available for Indian tribal justice systems is 
    subdivided into minimum funding and factor-based funding.
    
    
    Sec. 92.12  How may tribes use base support funding?
    
        Base support funding may be used for:
        (a) The planning, development, enhancement and operation of tribal 
    justice systems; for the employment of judicial personnel;
        (b) Training and continuing education for tribal judicial 
    personnel;
        (c) The acquisition, development and maintenance of legal research 
    capacities;
        (d) For the development, revision, and publication of tribal codes, 
    rules of practice, rules of procedure, and standards of judicial 
    performance and conduct;
        (e) The development and operation of records management systems; 
    for the construction or renovation of facilities for tribal justice 
    systems;
        (f) The cost of membership and travel expenses for participation in 
    national and regional organizations of tribal justice systems and other 
    professional organizations; and
        (g) The development and operation of innovative and culturally 
    relevant programs, such as alternative dispute resolution, victims 
    services, probation and diversion programs, juvenile services, 
    multidisciplinary investigations of child abuse, traditional tribal 
    judicial practices, traditional tribal justice systems, and traditional 
    tribal methods of dispute resolution.
    
    
    Sec. 92.13  How is base support funding distributed?
    
        (a) Funds will be distributed, subject to the availability of 
    appropriations.
        (1) Minimum funding is available to each Indian tribe. In any year 
    that the appropriation is $20 million or less, the entire amount will 
    be set aside for minimum funding and distributed equally. As 
    appropriations increase above $20 million to the full authorization 
    level of $50 million, the amount set aside for minimum funding will 
    decrease proportionately to no less than 20 percent or $10 million.
        (2) Factor-based funding is calculated when appropriations for base 
    funding exceed $20 million. After all requesting tribes have been 
    allocated minimum funding, the remaining sum is then divided by the 
    cumulative total of factor points and distributed to the tribes 
    according to the factor points each has scored.
        (b) Base support funding (the sum of minimum funding and factor-
    based funding) is not subject to tribal priority allocations.
        (c) Tribes may supplement base support funding with funds received 
    from any other source including the Bureau or any other Federal agency 
    and are not subject to this part.
    
    
    Sec. 92.14  Under what authority is base support funding distributed?
    
        The Secretary may enter into agreements with Indian tribes, tribal 
    organizations, or tribal consortia pursuant to the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended (25 U.S.C. 450 
    et seq.) for the development, enhancement, and continuing operation of 
    tribal justice systems and traditional tribal judicial practices by 
    Indian tribal governments.
    
    
    Sec. 92.15  Who is eligible to receive base support funding?
    
        Federally recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal 
    consortia that submit timely applications.
    
    
    Sec. 92.16  How does a tribe, tribal organization or tribal consortium 
    apply for minimum funding?
    
        (a) Each tribe, including self-governance tribes, tribal 
    organization or tribal consortium must submit a written request for 
    minimum support funding to the Bureau official responsible for 
    negotiating its annual agreement or Indian Self-Determination and 
    Education Assistance Act agreement. Requests must be received within 30 
    days of the beginning of each Federal fiscal year. Postmarks will 
    govern timeliness and hand-carried materials will not be accepted. 
    Tribes, tribal organizations or tribal consortia not making a timely 
    request will be excluded from funding for that fiscal year.
        (b) In addition to the contracting, grant and funding agreement 
    requirements of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
    Act, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq., all requests for base support 
    funding must include a current supporting tribal resolution(s), or such 
    other written expression(s) as tribal laws or practice require.
    
    
    Sec. 92.17  How is minimum funding calculated?
    
        (a) In any fiscal year in which the total appropriated for base 
    support funding is $20 million or less, the total appropriation will be 
    divided equally among the tribes submitting a timely request.
        (b) In any fiscal year in which the total appropriated for base 
    support funding is greater than $20 million, the minimum funding for 
    each tribe submitting a timely request will be determined by the 
    following process.
        (1) The proportion of the total appropriation to be allocated for 
    minimum funding will be calculated by applying the following formula:
    
        Y=1.533333-0.026667X
    
    Y is the proportion of the total appropriated base support funding 
    that is allocated for minimum funding. X is the total appropriated 
    base support funding in millions of dollars.
    
        (2) The minimum funding for each tribe will then be calculated by 
    applying the following formula:
    
        M=YXN
    
        M is the minimum funding in millions of dollars for each tribe 
    submitting a timely application. N is the total number of tribes 
    submitting a timely application.
    
    
    Sec. 92.18  How does a tribe, tribal organization or tribal consortium 
    apply for factor-based funding?
    
        To be eligible for factor-based funding, the applicant's request 
    for funding must include the information required in Secs. 92.16 and 
    92.19.
    
    
    Sec. 92.19  How is factor-based funding calculated?
    
        The Bureau official responsible for negotiating the annual Indian 
    Self-Determination and Education
    
    [[Page 39612]]
    
    Assistance Act agreement (responsible Bureau official) will score each 
    request for factor-based funding. The responsible Bureau official will 
    submit documented scores for each requesting tribe to the Office of 
    Tribal Justice Support. All documented scores will be totaled for one 
    national sum. The national sum will be divided into the factor-based 
    funding set aside to obtain a dollar-per-point figure. The responsible 
    Bureau official will calculate the factor-based funding for each tribe 
    making a timely request.
        (a) Factors and the points assigned to each factor.
        (1) Population to be served (up to 32 points).
        (i) Tribal enrollment. The number of persons enrolled with the 
    tribe:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            For populations                           Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 1,000....................................................        2
    1,001 to 3,000.................................................        4
    3,001 to 12,000................................................        7
    12,001 to 30,000...............................................       10
    30,001 to 100,000..............................................       15
    100,001 and higher.............................................       20
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (ii) Reservation Population. The number of transients and persons 
    residing within the geographic area served by the tribe at the close of 
    the prior Federal fiscal year.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            For populations                           Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 3,000....................................................        2
    3,001 to 12,000................................................        4
    12,001 to 30,000...............................................        5
    30,001 to 50,000...............................................        8
    50,001 to 100,000..............................................       10
    100,001 and higher.............................................       12
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (2) Territory (up to 17 Points).
        (i) Number of acres classified as Indian Reservation.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Acreage                               Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 1,000....................................................        1
    1,000 to 10,000................................................        3
    10,000 to 100,000..............................................        5
    100,001 and higher.............................................        6
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (ii) Number of acres defined as Indian Country.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Acreage                               Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 1,000....................................................        1
    1,000 to 10,000................................................        3
    10,000 to 100,000..............................................        4
    100,001 and higher.............................................        5
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (iii) Geographic isolation. The distance in miles from the seat of 
    tribal government to the nearest commercial and governmental center 
    with a population of 50,000 or more.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Miles                                Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 100......................................................        0
    100 to 200.....................................................        4
    201 and higher.................................................        6
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (4) Jurisdiction (up to 10 Points). The extent to which an Indian 
    tribe exercises subject matter jurisdiction over various areas 
    available to it under notions of Federal Indian and Tribal law, 
    including but not limited to:
        (i) Exercise of misdemeanor criminal jurisdiction over tribal 
    members and non-member Indians (3 Points).
        (ii) Exercise of jurisdiction beyond the exterior boundaries of the 
    reservation, such as regulation of the conduct of tribal members, 
    Indian Child Welfare Act (1 Point).
        (iii) Exercise of jurisdiction to protect, conserve, and assure the 
    quality, quantity, or access to natural resources (1 Point).
        (iv) Exercise of jurisdiction over familial matters, such as 
    marriage and dissolution, support and custody, child abuse and 
    dependency, juvenile matters, guardianship and involuntary commitment 
    of adults (2 Points).
        (v) Exercise of jurisdiction over roadways, vehicles, and traffic 
    within the exterior boundaries of the reservation (1 Point).
        (vi) Exercise of appellate review of trial level decision-making (2 
    Points).
        (5) Caseload (up to 10 Points). The number of cases heard in the 
    preceding Federal fiscal year. The higher of the actual caseload or the 
    presumptive caseload will be calculated.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Number of annual cases                       Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Up to 100......................................................        2
    100 to 3,000...................................................        4
    3,001 to 5,000.................................................        6
    5,001 to 10,000................................................        8
    10,001 and higher..............................................       10
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (i) Actual Caseload. The actual caseload shall consist of the 
    number of cases heard and decided at the trial and appellate level, or 
    brought before traditional justice systems.
        (ii) Presumptive Caseload. In lieu of an actual caseload, a tribe 
    may estimate a rate of 1 case for every 5 reservation residents.
        (6) Complexity of Cases (up to 3 Points). Judicial review of, at 
    least, 3 civil cases involving complex legal issues, as defined and 
    documented by the tribe.
        (7) Probation Services and Diversion Programs (up to 3 Points). The 
    provision of probation services and diversion programs.
        (8) Facilities (up to 5 Points). A tribe without an existing 
    facility which is fully or in large part dedicated to the court 
    function will receive 5 points.
        (9) Renovation (up to 4 Points). The cost of renovating an existing 
    structure. More than 50% of the facility must be dedicated to judicial 
    activities; the age of the facility will be calculated.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Age                                 Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0-5 years......................................................        0
    5-10 years.....................................................        1
    10-15 years....................................................        2
    16 years or older..............................................        4
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (10) Start-up costs (up to 10 Points). A tribe that has no tribal 
    justice system will receive 10 points.
        (11) Economy (up to 6 Points). Measures the percentage of the 
    population to be served that is unemployed and/or below the applicable 
    state poverty level.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Percentage                             Points
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0-8............................................................        0
    8-15...........................................................        4
    16 or higher...................................................        6
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (b) The tribe will receive the applicable point(s) for each 
    demonstrated factor.
        (c) After all requesting tribes have been allocated Minimum 
    Funding, the remaining sum will be divided by the cumulative total of 
    points. The resulting figure is the funding amount attributed to each 
    point (dollar-per-point).
        (d) Factor-based Funding is calculated by multiplying the tribe's 
    score by the dollar-per-point.
    
    
    Secs. 92.20-92.100  [Reserved].
    
        Dated: June 17, 1996.
    Ada E. Deer,
    Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 96-18447 Filed 7-29-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-02-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/30/1996
Department:
Indian Affairs Bureau
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-18447
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before September 30, 1996.
Pages:
39606-39612 (7 pages)
RINs:
1076-AD15: Indian Tribal Justice Support
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1076-AD15/indian-tribal-justice-support
PDF File:
96-18447.pdf
CFR: (28)
25 CFR 92.16)
25 CFR 92.17(b)
25 CFR 92.3
25 CFR 92.10
25 CFR 92.11
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