STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION (2023)
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
CONFEDERATED TRIBES
OF THE
UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1.
SECTION 1.01.
SECTION 1.02.
SECTION 1.03.
SECTION 1.04.
SECTION 1.05.
SECTION 1.06.
SECTION 1.07.
SECTION 1.08.
SECTION 1.09.
SECTION 1.10.
SECTION 1.11.
GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................................................. 1
Purpose................................................................................................................ 1
Constitutional Authority ..................................................................................... 1
Background and Intent ........................................................................................ 1
Ratification of Prior Acts .................................................................................... 1
Scope of Non-Taxable Benefits .......................................................................... 1
Legislative History; Rules of Construction......................................................... 2
Budget Availability ............................................................................................. 3
Non-Resource Designation ................................................................................. 3
Federal Trust Responsibility ............................................................................... 3
Delegation; Further Guidance ............................................................................. 3
Definitions........................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 2.
SECTION 2.01.
SECTION 2.02.
SECTION 2.03.
SECTION 2.04.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS TO SATISFY GENERAL WELFARE
EXCLUSION ...................................................................................................... 5
Indian General Welfare Benefits (Internal Revenue Code Section 139E) ......... 5
IRS Safe Harbor Programs.................................................................................. 6
Programs Meeting the General Test ................................................................... 9
Promotion of General Welfare ............................................................................ 9
CHAPTER 3.
SECTION 3.01.
SECTION 3.02.
SECTION 3.03.
SECTION 3.04.
SECTION 3.05.
SECTION 3.06.
SECTION 3.07.
SECTION 3.08.
SECTION 3.09.
SECTION 3.10.
SECTION 3.11.
SECTION 3.12.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ................................................................... 10
Programs ........................................................................................................... 10
Eligibility and Application Procedures ............................................................. 10
Limited Use of Assistance; Substantiation ....................................................... 10
Tribal Funds ...................................................................................................... 11
Forfeiture and Appeals ...................................................................................... 11
Anti-Alienation ................................................................................................. 11
Programs Not Limited to Means Testing .......................................................... 11
Privacy/Information Sharing............................................................................. 12
Government-to-Government Relationship; Executive Order 13175 ................ 12
Other Tax Exemptions ...................................................................................... 12
Delegations for Administration......................................................................... 12
No Waiver of Tribal Sovereignty ..................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 4.
SECTION 4.01.
SECTION 4.02.
SECTION 4.03.
SECTION 4.04.
SECTION 4.05.
SECTION 4.06.
SECTION 4.07.
SECTION 4.08.
SECTION 4.09.
ELDERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ........................................................... 13
Purpose.............................................................................................................. 13
Findings and Intent ........................................................................................... 13
Delegated Authority .......................................................................................... 13
Elders’ General Assistance Program ................................................................ 14
Elders’ Energy Assistance Program.................................................................. 14
Benefits Not an Entitlement .............................................................................. 15
Beneficiary Responsibilities ............................................................................. 15
Substantiation and Records ............................................................................... 16
Right to Encumber ............................................................................................ 16
CHAPTER 5.
SECTION 5.01.
SECTION 5.02.
SECTION 5.03.
SECTION 5.04.
SECTION 5.05.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMUNITY DONATION PROGRAM............. 16
Purpose.............................................................................................................. 16
Findings and Intent ........................................................................................... 16
Delegated Authority .......................................................................................... 17
Board of Trustees Community Donation Program ........................................... 17
Beneficiary Responsibilities ............................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 6.
SECTION 6.01.
TRADITIONAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BENEFITS ..................... 18
Purpose.............................................................................................................. 18
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 6.02.
SECTION 6.03.
SECTION 6.04.
SECTION 6.05.
SECTION 6.06.
Findings and Intent ........................................................................................... 18
Benefit Authorization........................................................................................ 19
Traditional, Cultural and Religious Benefits .................................................... 19
Benefits not Covered by this Chapter ............................................................... 20
Effective Date ................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 7.
477 PROGRAM PLAN; BUILDING OUR LIFE SKILLS, TRAINING
AND EMPLOYMENT-READINESS PROGRAM ......................................... 20
Purpose.............................................................................................................. 20
Findings and Intent ........................................................................................... 21
Benefit Authorization........................................................................................ 21
Eligibility for Bolster Program Benefits ........................................................... 21
Bolster Program Benefits .................................................................................. 22
477 Program Plan Benefits and Eligibility ....................................................... 23
Effective Date ................................................................................................... 23
SECTION 7.01.
SECTION 7.02.
SECTION 7.03.
SECTION 7.04.
SECTION 7.05.
SECTION 7.06.
SECTION 7.07.
CHAPTER 8.
SECTION 8.01.
SECTION 8.02.
SECTION 8.03.
SECTION 8.04.
SECTION 8.05.
SECTION 8.06.
SECTION 8.07.
ASSISTANCE UNDER TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE
CODE ................................................................................................................ 23
Purpose.............................................................................................................. 23
Findings............................................................................................................. 24
Benefit Authorization........................................................................................ 24
Eligible Recipients ............................................................................................ 24
TERO Program Benefits ................................................................................... 24
Criteria for Allocating TERO Program Benefits .............................................. 25
Effective Date ................................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX A .
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
CHAPTER 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1.01.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code is to memorialize the procedures used by the Confederated Tribes of the
Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR or Tribe) in establishing programs for the promotion of the
general welfare of the Tribe and in developing program guidelines for compliance with the general
welfare doctrine and Internal Revenue Code Section 139E.
SECTION 1.02.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY
This Code is consistent with and implements Article II of the CTUIR Constitution which provides as
follows:
The purpose and powers of the Confederated Tribes shall be, within law, to exercise and
protect all existing and future tribal rights arising from any source whether treaty, federal
statute, state statute, common law, or otherwise; to achieve a maximum degree of selfgovernment in all tribal affairs; and to protect and promote the interests of the Indians of the
Umatilla Indian Reservation.
SECTION 1.03.
BACKGROUND AND INTENT
The CTUIR, a federally recognized tribal government, exercises its inherent rights of sovereignty to
promote the general welfare of the Tribe, its self-determination, culture, and tradition, by providing
general welfare assistance, including Indian general welfare benefits within the meaning of Internal
Revenue Code Section 139E. Both the United States Congress, through its enactment of the Tribal
General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014, and the Internal Revenue Service, through its traditional
application of the general welfare doctrine, has long recognized the sovereign right of Indian tribal
governments to provide financial assistance to individuals under certain circumstances on a nontaxable basis. This Code is intended to affirm the Tribe’s inherent sovereign rights to promote the
general welfare of the Tribe and provide qualifying Assistance and Program Benefits on a tax free
basis.
SECTION 1.04.
RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS
Assistance provided prior to the enactment of this Code, or any amendments hereto, is hereby ratified
and confirmed as general welfare assistance pursuant to the authority of the Tribal Constitution and
laws, and the inherent powers of the CTUIR to promote the general welfare. This Code is not
intended to invalidate or supplant traditional exercises of sovereignty and culture. All assistance
authorized by the Board of Trustees to promote the general welfare of this Tribe is, and has been,
intended to reflect the inherent rights and sovereign acts of the Tribe within the principles reflected
under the general welfare doctrine.
SECTION 1.05.
SCOPE OF NON-TAXABLE BENEFITS
The general welfare benefits authorized by this Code are intended to qualify for favorable tax
treatment under the general welfare doctrine to the fullest extent permitted at law. Without
limitation, the following Benefits shall be treated as non-taxable hereunder: (1) Benefits that satisfy
the requirements for exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E, (2) Benefits that are
provided under an IRS Safe Harbor Program, (3) Benefits that qualify for exclusion under the IRS
General Test, or (4) Benefits that meet another express exemption under the Internal Revenue Code,
such as the exemption provided for tribal medical expenses under Internal Revenue Code Section
139D, or that meet other recognized exemptions including, for, example, resource or land-based
exemptions under 25 U.S.C. Sections 117a-b, 1407 and 1408.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 1.06.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
This Code reflects guidance under the IRS General Welfare Exclusion safe harbor rules appearing in
IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-35, and the enactment of the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of
2014, now codified as Internal Revenue Code Section 139E. The following legislative history shall
be taken into account in construing the terms and application of this Code.
A.
IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-35.
In 2011, the United States Treasury Department and IRS commenced national efforts to
consider tribal requests to improve guidance on tribal general welfare matters. Notice 201194 invited comments from tribal governments concerning the application of the general
welfare exclusion to Indian tribal government programs. The Tribe participated in that
process through joint comments with the National Congress of American Indians, the United
South and Eastern Tribes, Inc., the California Association of Tribal Governments and the
Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians, all seeking clarity with regard to the sovereign
right of tribes to provide tax free assistance based on non-financial need criteria including the
preservation of culture and tradition. The Tribe also participated in individual consultation
efforts wherein IRS and Treasury acknowledged the need to address and accommodate unique
tribal issues such as preservation of culture and tradition.
On December 5, 2012, the IRS and Treasury Department issued Notice 2012-75 proposing
new guidance and providing interim relief under the general welfare exclusion for Programs
that meet designated safe harbor rules. The Tribe asserted all protections provided under the
proposed rule and made changes to Programs where necessary to secure additional Member
protections under the interim relief. On June 3, 2014, the Treasury Department issued final
guidance in the form of Revenue Procedure 2014-35 confirming that IRS will not tax Member
Assistance that meets designated IRS safe harbor requirements.
B.
Tribal General Welfare Act of 2014.
In September of 2014, Tribal representatives worked with the United States Congress to
clarify that Bills then pending in the House (HR 3043) and in the Senate (SB 1507) were in
fact intended to expand tribal general welfare exclusion rights and build upon the safe harbor
and general test relief previously recognized by the IRS. On September 17, 2014, Senators
Moran and Heitkamp, co-sponsors of SB 1507 engaged in a colloquy with the Chairman of
the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Wyden, on the Congressional Record of the Senate
confirming their understanding and intent that:
1.
IRS would apply SB 1507 “no less favorable than the safe harbor approach provided
for in Revenue Procedure 2014-35, and that in no event will IRS require an
individualized determination of financial need where a tribal Program meets all other
requirements of new section 139E as added by the bill.”
2.
The bill requires that “any ambiguities in new [Internal Revenue] Code section 139E
be shall resolved by the IRS in favor of Indian Tribal governments and deference shall
be given to Indian Tribal governments for programs administered and authorized by
the Tribe to benefit the general welfare of the Tribal community.”
3.
It “would be contrary to the intent of Congress” if IRS were to “take the occasion of
passage of H.R. 3043 or S. 1507 to retrench, narrow or possibly withdraw the
administrative guidance provided in Rev. Proc. 2014-35 after enactment of the bill.”
4.
The Congressional intent “is to expand rather than restrict the safe harbor provisions in
Rev. Proc. 2014-35.”
5.
“The purpose of this legislation is to further empower Tribal self-determination.”
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
6.
“Tribal governments have a long history of providing critical benefits to tribal
members, and these programs are fundamental to the sovereignty and cultural integrity
of tribes. Tribes, and not the IRS, are in the best position to determine the needs of
their members and provide for the general welfare of their tribal citizens and
communities.”
On September 18, 2014, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 passed both houses of
Congress, and the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 was signed into law by the
President on September 29, 2014. The CTUIR now expressly embraces the forgoing principals as an
integral part of this Code and as guiding principles in construing the Tribe’s compliance with Internal
Revenue Code Section 139E, the Safe Harbor Rules, and the General Test.
SECTION 1.07.
BUDGET AVAILABILITY
All amounts budgeted by the Tribe for general welfare assistance payments shall remain general
assets of the Tribe until such payments are disbursed; the general welfare assistance payment
arrangement authorized by this Code shall be an unfunded arrangement, and shall be limited to
appropriated funds and all limitations imposed by the Tribe’s fiscal budgeting process. General
welfare payments hereunder are paid from assets of the CTUIR; all payments are based on budget
availability of the CTUIR, and the Tribe does not guarantee any payments hereunder.
SECTION 1.08.
NON-RESOURCE DESIGNATION
Beneficiaries have no contractual or other right to direct, compel, or alienate payments prior to actual
receipt. Benefits paid hereunder are for the benefit of the Tribe as a whole and not an individual
benefit or right of any specific Beneficiary. Benefits paid hereunder shall not be treated as a resource
or asset of the Beneficiary for any purpose, and shall not be counted against a recipient’s eligibility
(through income or resource criteria) for other governmental assistance of any kind. The Tribe
reserves the right to cancel, adjust, modify or revoke any Benefits that are treated as a resource of the
Beneficiary.
SECTION 1.09.
FEDERAL TRUST RESPONSIBILITY
The federal government, through its government-to-government relationship with the Tribe, through
its trust relationship with the Tribe, and through treaty, statutes and executive orders, owes certain
obligations to CTUIR Members, much of which has been curtailed through budget shortfalls, which
the Tribe seeks to supplement, through acts of self-determination, in part through this Code. The
Tribe reserves the right to provide Assistance including circumstances where federal funding is
insufficient to operate federal programs designed to benefit Tribal Members and when federal
funding is insufficient to adequately and consistently fulfill federal trust obligations. The Tribe’s
adoption of Programs hereunder is not intended to relieve or diminish the federal government of its
funding and trust responsibilities. Nothing herein shall waive the Tribe’s right to seek funding
shortfalls or to enforce the trust rights of the Tribe and its Members. The Tribe shall be entitled to
government-to-government consultation and coordination rights in regard to this Code.
SECTION 1.10.
DELEGATION; FURTHER GUIDANCE
The Board of Trustees may seek a private letter ruling, opinions, relief, or guidance from federal
agencies, including without limitation the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue
Service, regarding the tax, asset or resource treatment of any Benefits set aside or paid under any
Program(s) hereunder. The Board of Trustees may revoke or modify any Programs if necessary and
appropriate in order to obtain a favorable ruling, within ninety days after any unfavorable ruling is
issued with respect to such Program(s), or within ninety days after a ruling request with respect to
such Program(s) is withdrawn by the Board of Trustees.
SECTION 1.11.
A.
DEFINITIONS
“Assistance” - Any Program Benefits or payments that qualify for tax free treatment under the
General Welfare Exclusion.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
B.
“Beneficiary” - Any person or persons entitled to receive Assistance or a Benefit in
accordance with specific Program guidelines. Programs designed to qualify for exemption
under Internal Revenue Code section 139E may benefit Members, spouses of a Member,
and/or Dependents of a Member. Programs designed to meet the Safe Harbor may benefit
any Member or Qualified Nonmember.
C.
“Benefit” – Any payment made or service provided to or on behalf of a Beneficiary which
qualified for non-taxable treatment under the General Welfare Exclusion.
D.
“Board of Trustees” - The duly elected governing Board of Trustees of the CTUIR, a
federally recognized Indian tribal government.
E.
“Cash Honorarium” - A payment for performing or conducting Tribal traditional, cultural or
religious services for the benefit of the CTUIR, Tribal Member(s) or the Reservation
community.
F.
“Code” - The CTUIR General Welfare Code.
G.
“Compensation” for services should reflect that qualifying Programs are not disguised
employment. However, this shall not prevent the Tribe from structuring Programs with
community service ties so long as such ties are consistent with the General Welfare
Exclusion. For example, Programs similar to the Workforce Investment Act may include tax
free Assistance.
H.
“CTUIR or Tribe” – the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla of the Indian Reservation, a
federally recognized Indian Tribe.
I.
“Cultural Activity” - A ceremony, celebration or expression of Tribal traditions, culture or
religion including, but not limited to, first foods dinners, naming ceremonies, pow-wows,
repatriation of ancestral remains and Treaty Day commemoration.
J.
“Dependent” - The term “Dependent”, for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 139E,
has the meaning given such term by Internal Revenue Code Section 152, determined without
regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B).
K.
“Disability” or "Disabled" - The term disability or disabled as used for purposes of Programs
covered by this Code shall refer to the inability of an individual to care for himself/ herself
due to physical or mental limitations in accordance with tribal law.
L.
“General Welfare Exclusion” – Assistance shall be treated as non-taxable so long as it
satisfies the requirements for exclusion under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E, it is
provided under a Safe Harbor Program, or it meets the General Test.
M.
“General Test” – Assistance will be treated as meeting the General Test under the General
Welfare Exclusion if the Benefits are: (1) paid by or on behalf of an Indian tribe (2) under a
social benefit program, (3) based on either needs of the Indian community itself or upon
individual needs of the recipient (which need not be financial in nature), and (4) are not
Compensation for services or per capita payments.
N.
“Internal Revenue Code” - The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
O.
“Item of Cultural Significance” - Any item, craft, tool or food that relates to the traditions,
culture or religion of the CTUIR including, but not limited to, blankets, beadwork, artwork,
jewelry, native clothing and regalia and first foods.
P.
“Lavish” or “Extravagant” shall be determined by the Board of Trustees in its sole discretion
based on all facts and circumstances, taking into account needs unique to the Tribe as well as
the social purpose being served by the particular Assistance at hand.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
Q.
“Member” or Tribal Member” - “Member” or "Tribal Member" means any person,
regardless of age, who is an enrolled member of the CTUIR at the time of an Assistance
determination, and such other individuals who may be treated as members for Assistance as
determined by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the laws, customs and traditions of
the Tribe.
R.
“Pay” or “paid” or “payment” means pay or reimburse in whole or in part.
S.
“Program” means any program established by or under authority of the Board of Trustees,
including any program authorized through the annual budget process, to provide Assistance
hereunder. A program shall not fail to be treated as an Indian tribal government Program
solely by reason of the Program being established by tribal custom or government practice.
T.
“Promotion of the general welfare” or “Social benefit” should reflect a goal or goals
established by and in the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees for the promotion of the
general welfare of the Tribe, for example, in furtherance of tribal self-determination, culture
and tradition.
U.
“Qualified nonmember” means a spouse, former spouse, legally recognized domestic partner
or former domestic partner, ancestor, descendant, or Dependent of a Member of the Tribe.
Individual Tribal Programs may, but are not required to, cover Qualified nonmembers.
V.
“Reservation” means the Umatilla Indian Reservation or, if the context so permits, any other
Indian reservation as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 162(j).
W.
“Safe Harbor Program” shall refer to a Program that meets the requirements of Section 2.02
and IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-35, as the same may hereafter be amended. Need shall be
presumed for Assistance provided under a Safe Harbor Program.
X.
“Service area” has the same meaning as in 25 C.F.R. Section 20.100.
Y.
“Service unit area” means an area designated for purposes of administration of Indian Health
Service programs under 42 C.F.R. Section 136.21(l).
Z.
“Self-determination” should be construed broadly to reflect traditional health, education and
welfare programs as well as unique cultural and traditional based programs and economic
development. See, e.g., IRS Private Letter Ruling 199924026 (tax free business grants in part
to promote on reservation employment).
AA.
“Spouse” shall be determined in accordance with Tribal laws, customs and traditions.
CHAPTER 2.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS TO SATISFY GENERAL WELFARE
EXCLUSION
SECTION 2.01.
INDIAN GENERAL WELFARE BENEFITS (INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
SECTION 139E)
Programs that meet the following criteria for exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E
shall be treated as non-taxable Assistance under the General Welfare Exclusion without the applicant
having to demonstrate individual need:
A.
General Criteria for Qualification under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E: Each payment
made or service provided to or on behalf of a Member (or any Spouse or Dependent of the
Member) pursuant to a Program under this Code shall be treated as non-taxable Assistance
under the General Welfare Exclusion so long as the following criteria are met:
1.
The Program is administered under specified guidelines and does not discriminate in
favor of the members of the governing body of the Tribe;
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
2.
Program Benefits are available to any Tribal Member who meets such guidelines;
3.
Program Benefits are for the “promotion of the general welfare”;
4.
Program Benefits are not Lavish or Extravagant; and
5.
Program Benefits are not Compensation for services.
B.
Ceremonial Activities: Any items of cultural significance, reimbursement of costs, or cash
honorarium for participation in cultural or ceremonial activities for the transmission of tribal
culture shall not be treated as Compensation for services.
C.
Special Effective Dates: Internal Revenue Code Section 139E is effective for Assistance in
taxable years for which the period of limitations on a refund or credit under Internal Revenue
Code Section 6511 has not expired. If the period of limitation on a refund or credit resulting
from the application of Internal Revenue Code Section 139E (a) would otherwise expire
before the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of Internal Revenue Code
Section 139E, a refund or credit (to the extent attributed thereto) may be made or allowed if a
claim is filed before the close of such one-year period.
SECTION 2.02.
IRS SAFE HARBOR PROGRAMS
Programs that meet the following general criteria for safe harbor treatment, and provide qualifying
safe harbor Benefits shall be treated as non-taxable Assistance under the General Welfare Exclusion
without the applicant having to demonstrate individual need:
A.
B.
General Criteria for Safe Harbor Treatment: Each Safe Harbor Program shall satisfy the
following general criteria:
1.
The Benefit is provided under a specific Program of the Tribe;
2.
The Program has written guidelines specifying how individuals may qualify for the
benefit;
3.
The Benefit is available to any Tribal Member, Qualified nonmember, or identified
group of Tribal Members or Qualified nonmembers who satisfy the Program
guidelines, subject to budgetary restraints;
4.
The distribution of Benefits from the Program does not discriminate in favor of the
governing body of the Tribe;
5.
The Benefit is not Compensation for services; and
6.
The Benefit is not Lavish or Extravagant under the facts and circumstances.
Qualifying Safe Harbor Benefits: The following Benefits may be provided under a Safe
Harbor Program. The Benefits listed in the parenthetical language herein are illustrative only
rather than an exhaustive list. Thus a Benefit may qualify for exclusion from gross income as
a Safe Harbor Program even though the Benefit is not expressly described in the parenthetical
language herein, provided that it meets all other requirements of this Section and Revenue
Procedure 2014-35 (as may be amended):
1.
Housing programs. Programs relating to principal residences and ancillary structures
that are not used in any trade or business, or for investment purposes that:
a.
Pay mortgage payments, down payments, or rent payments (including but not
limited to security deposits) for principal residences;
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
2.
3.
4.
b.
Enhance habitability of housing, such as by remedying water, sewage,
sanitation service, safety (including but not limited to mold remediation), or
heating or cooling issues;
c.
Provide basic housing repairs or rehabilitation (including but not limited to
roof repair and replacement); and
d.
Pay utility bills and charges (including but not limited to water, electricity, gas,
and basic communications services such as phone, internet, and cable).
Educational programs. Programs to:
a.
Provide students (including but not limited to post-secondary students)
transportation to and from school, tutors, and supplies (including but not
limited to clothing, backpacks, laptop computers, musical instruments, and
sports equipment) for use in school activities and extracurricular activities;
b.
Provide tuition payments for students (including but not limited to allowances
for room and board on or off campus for the student, spouse, domestic partner,
and Dependents) to attend preschool, school, college or university, online
school, educational seminars, vocational education, technical education, adult
education, continuing education, or alternative education;
c.
Provide for the care of children away from their homes to help their parents or
other relatives responsible for their care to be gainfully employed or to pursue
education; and
d.
Provide job counseling and programs for which the primary objective is job
placement or training, including but not limited to allowances for-- Expenses
for interviewing or training away from home (including but not limited to
travel, auto expenses, lodging, and food); Tutoring; and appropriate clothing
for a job interview or training (including but not limited to an interview suit or
a uniform required during a period of training).
Elder and disabled programs. Programs for individuals who have attained age 55 or
are mentally or physically disabled (as defined under applicable law, including but not
limited to tribal government disability codes or laws) that provide:
a.
Meals through home-delivered meals programs or at a community center or
similar facility;
b.
Home care such as assistance with preparing meals or doing chores, or day
care outside the home;
c.
Local transportation assistance;
d.
Improvements to adapt housing to special needs (including but not limited to
grab bars and ramps).
Cultural and religious programs. Programs to:
a.
Pay expenses (including but not limited to admission fees, transportation, food,
and lodging) to attend or participate in an Indian tribe’s cultural, social,
religious, or community activities such as pow-wows, ceremonies, and
traditional dances;
b.
Pay expenses (including but not limited to admission fees, transportation, food,
and lodging) to visit sites that are culturally or historically significant for the
tribe, including but not limited to other Indian reservations;
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
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STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
5.
c.
Pay the costs of receiving instruction about an Indian tribe’s culture, history,
and traditions (including but not limited to traditional language, music, and
dances);
d.
Pay funeral and burial expenses and expenses of hosting or attending wakes,
funerals, burials, other bereavement events, and subsequent honoring events;
and
e.
Pay transportation costs and admission fees to attend educational, social, or
cultural programs offered or supported by the Tribe or another tribe.
Other qualifying Assistance programs. Programs to:
a.
Pay transportation costs such as rental cars, substantiated mileage, and fares for
bus, taxi, and public transportation between an Indian reservation, service
area, or service unit area and facilities that provide essential services to the
public (such as medical facilities and grocery stores);
b.
Pay for the cost of transportation, temporary meals, and lodging of a Tribal
Member or Qualified nonmember while the individual is receiving medical
care away from home;
c.
Provide assistance to individuals in exigent circumstances (including but not
limited to victims of abuse), including but not limited to the costs of food,
clothing, shelter, transportation, auto repair bills, and similar expenses;
d.
Pay costs for temporary relocation and shelter for individuals displaced from
their homes (including but not limited to situations in which a home is
destroyed by a fire or natural disaster);
e.
Provide assistance for transportation emergencies (for example, when stranded
away from home) in the form of transportation costs, a hotel room, and meals;
and
f.
Pay the cost of nonprescription drugs (including but not limited to traditional
Indian tribal medicines).
C.
Compensation Safe Harbor: For Safe Harbor Programs, and subject to amendments to
Revenue Procedure 2014-35 hereafter, the Tribe will presume that individual need is met for
religious leaders or spiritual officials or leaders (including but not limited to medicine men,
medicine women, and shamans) receiving the following Benefits, and that the Benefits do not
represent Compensation for services: Benefits provided under an Indian tribal governmental
Program that are items of cultural significance that are not lavish or extravagant under the
facts and circumstances or nominal cash honoraria provided to religious or spiritual officials
or leaders (including but not limited to medicine men, medicine women, and shamans) to
recognize their participation in cultural, religious, and social events (including but not limited
to pow-wows, rite of passage ceremonies, funerals, wakes, burials, other bereavement events,
and subsequent honoring events).
D.
Safe Harbor Effective Dates: Safe harbor treatment shall be afforded to any Program or
Benefit that otherwise satisfies the safe harbor rule as of or after December 6, 2012 or for any
earlier taxable period for which the period of limitation on refund or credit under Internal
Revenue Code Section 6511 has not expired.
E.
Non-Safe Harbor Programs: Nothing in this Code or the IRS safe harbor guidance shall limit
the Tribe's right to provide Assistance outside of the safe harbor rules.
F.
Future Guidance; Changes to Revenue Procedure 2014-35: In the event that Revenue
Procedure 2014-35 is hereafter amended, revoked, or superseded, the Tribe may continue to
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 8
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
look to the above factors as guidance in interpreting the common law to the extent not
inconsistent with future guidance or controlling law. This Code shall incorporate by reference
any future changes to Safe Harbor relief provided in Revenue Procedure 2014-35 to the extent
such changes are more flexible or more permissive than the guidance appearing in Revenue
Procedure 2014-35.
SECTION 2.03.
PROGRAMS MEETING THE GENERAL TEST
Programs that do not qualify for non-taxable treatment under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E or
under an IRS Safe Harbor, will nonetheless be treated as non-taxable if Program Benefits meet the
General Test for treatment under the General Welfare Exclusion. For purposes of the General Test
only, needs must be shown in one of the following manners:
A.
Individual Needs. Certain Programs may be based on individual need, rather than an overall
need of the Tribe. For those Programs, the Board of Trustees may establish income
guidelines unique to the Tribe (as set forth in (B) below) or may use readily available income
guidelines used to by state or federal programs to demonstrate individual or family need.
When individual or family need must be shown, the Program may also take into account
individual circumstances or extraordinary need to overcome presumptions based on income
alone. A Beneficiary must certify his or her financial needs, and that the Assistance does not
exceed the amount of the Beneficiary’s financial need. The Board of Trustees, or its
designee, shall adopt procedures and forms for certifying a Beneficiary’s eligibility for
Assistance under applicable income and need guidelines.
B.
Tribal Income and Need Guidelines. The Board of Trustees may adopt policies and review
them for changes as necessary from time to time in establishing recommended minimum
standards of living and income guidelines for purposes of determining a Beneficiary’s
qualification for needs based Benefits under the General Test.
In making the
recommendations called for herein, the Board of Trustees may look for guidance to federal
guidelines such as the federal poverty levels, the federal earned income credit levels, the
national or regional median family income statistics, and the guidelines used by state and
federal programs. However, the Board of Trustees shall retain ultimate authority in
establishing minimum standards of living for the CTUIR. In doing so, the Board of Trustees
may take into account such issues as the number of dependents in a household, the level of
household income, and household expenditures, the average and median Tribal incomes, and
financial matters unique to the CTUIR.
C.
Community Needs. Certain Programs may be based on community needs, which are
important to the self-determination, culture and traditions of the Tribe that Assistance may be
deemed necessary regardless of individual income or wealth. For example, states provide
public education to all citizens regardless of individual income or wealth. Some Programs
may address both individual and community-based needs. The Board of Trustees reserves the
right to require any applicant applying for consideration based on non-financial or
community-based needs to demonstrate how the Program Benefits will benefit the tribal
community as a whole, including preservation of culture, tradition and self-determination.
Approval based on non-financial need criteria is made on a facts and circumstances basis and
will be guided by traditional values and culture. A Program will be deemed to be based on
community or non-financial needs if so designated by the Board of Trustees. The Tribe will
also deem any program to be based on community need that is designed to meet purposes
served by federal or state programs that are treated as community-need programs.
SECTION 2.04.
A.
PROMOTION OF GENERAL WELFARE
All Assistance disbursed pursuant to this Code, regardless of whether it is intended to satisfy
Internal Revenue Code Section 139E, a Safe Harbor, or the General Test, shall be designed to
promote the general welfare, self-determination, culture and tradition of the Tribe. The Board
of Trustees shall establish objectives for the furtherance of the general welfare, selfdetermination, culture and tradition of the Tribe and assess progress on said objectives in
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 9
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
connection with its annual budgeting review or at other times called for by the Board of
Trustees.
B.
Programs shall be renewed, established, modified, or terminated based upon the needs of the
Tribe as compared to the objectives set by the Board of Trustees from time to time, and
limited to purposes consistent with treatment under the General Welfare Exclusion. The
purposes for which Assistance and Benefits are provided under this Code may include, for
example and not by way of limitation, the following:
1.
Medical care, food, shelter, health, education, subsistence, housing, elder and disabled
care;
2.
To meet cultural, traditional and religious needs of the Tribe and its membership; and
3.
To promote self-sufficiency, self-determination, Tribal image and the maintenance of
culture and tradition, entrepreneurship, and the employment of Tribal Members.
Assistance intended to qualify under the General Welfare Doctrine must benefit the Tribe as a whole,
a Tribal Member, and/or the family of a Tribal Member.
CHAPTER 3.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 3.01.
PROGRAMS
The Board of Trustees shall determine which programs each fiscal year shall qualify as Programs
under this Code, subject to budget authorization. Programs approved by the Board of Trustees shall
be reviewed by the Board of Trustees for consistency with this Code and the General Welfare
Exclusion.
SECTION 3.02.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Each Program shall set forth the specific eligibility rules and limitations applied to that Program, and
shall be administered pursuant to application forms and procedures approved by the Board of
Trustees or its designee. Program guidelines may limit Benefits to an identified group of Members or
Qualified nonmembers, as applicable. All Programs are limited by budget availability. In the
absence of specific Program guidelines to the contrary, all Programs shall be deemed to incorporate
eligibility criteria necessary for compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 139E.
SECTION 3.03.
LIMITED USE OF ASSISTANCE; SUBSTANTIATION
A.
All Assistance disbursed pursuant to this Code must be used for the purpose stated in the
Program description, and the application for the applicable Assistance. The Tribe or is
designee shall keep books or records deemed appropriate to demonstrate compliance with the
Code. Recipients of Benefits hereunder are responsible for maintaining books or records as
may be required for substantiation to the IRS for individual income tax purposes. In the event
that Assistance payments are used or pledged for a purpose inconsistent with the purpose set
forth in the applicable Program or the application, the Board of Trustees, or its designee, shall
require the repayment of the welfare assistance payment. The Board of Trustees is authorized
to offset any other payments owed to a Tribal Member, including per capita distributions, if
such an offset is necessary, in the discretion of the Board of Trustees, to secure repayment of
a welfare assistance payment in accordance with this Section.
B.
If a Beneficiary receives any Assistance that is not used for a proper purpose, or is in excess
of the amount needed for an approved purpose, such Benefits shall be treated as a deemed
loan, and the Board of Trustees, or its designee, shall have a legally enforceable right to
demand repayment. Tribal remedies shall include all debt enforcement remedies available
under the laws of the CTUIR.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 10
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 3.04.
TRIBAL FUNDS
A.
All Programs are subject to budget authorization from the Board of Trustees. Funds that may
be considered shall include those from gaming and non-gaming sources.
B.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Assistance payments authorized hereunder shall
be “unfunded” for tax purposes and no Beneficiary shall have an interest in or right to any
funds budgeted for or set aside for Assistance payments until paid. Assistance payments shall
remain assets of the Tribe until distributed, and the Programs shall be administered at all
times to avoid the doctrines of constructive receipt and/or economic benefit.
C.
No payments shall be made in connection with a Tribal program to or on behalf of individual
Tribal Members or Qualified nonmembers, unless a specific program authorizing such
payment has been approved by the Board of Trustees. The Program must include objective
standards for determining eligibility for the payments and the amount of the payment. Subject
to the availability of funds, the program must be available equally to all Tribal Members or
Qualified nonmembers who meet the eligibility requirements, which requirements shall not
discriminate among Tribal Members or Qualified nonmembers on the basis of race, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, marital status, income, geographic location or physical or mental
disability.
SECTION 3.05.
FORFEITURE AND APPEALS
A.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Tribe may forfeit Assistance to any
Beneficiary who is found by the Board of Trustees or its designee to have misapplied program
funds or to have made any misrepresentations during the application process. The Board of
Trustees or its designee may also forfeit Assistance should said Assistance be treated as a
resource to the detriment of the Tribe or a Beneficiary; provided that no forfeiture may take
effect until the individual is provided a hearing and due process as set forth in Section 3.05(B)
herein.
B.
Before any individual’s Assistance is subject to forfeiture, said individual shall be provided an
opportunity to appeal the basis for the forfeiture of Assistance. The Board of Trustees shall
establish an appeal process under which a Beneficiary may seek administrative and judicial
review of the forfeiture of Assistance, which appeal process shall include:
1.
A written statement of the grounds for forfeiture at least five days before the date of a
hearing on the forfeiture;
2.
An opportunity for the beneficiary to provide evidence challenging the basis for the
forfeiture; and
3.
An opportunity to appeal any administrative decision upholding the forfeiture to the
Umatilla Tribal Court.
SECTION 3.06.
ANTI-ALIENATION
Except as expressly permitted under CTUIR law, assistance payments under this Code are not subject
to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or
garnishment by creditors of the Tribal Member or Qualified nonmember, or their beneficiaries.
SECTION 3.07.
PROGRAMS NOT LIMITED TO MEANS TESTING
Programs that qualify under Internal Revenue Code Section 139E or the IRS Safe Harbor shall not
require a showing of individual need or means testing in order to achieve non-taxable treatment under
the General Welfare Exclusion. The Tribe also reserves the right to provide community-based
Programs and Programs based on non-financial need under the General Test that are not individually
means tested. The Tribe recognizes that means testing can distort certain tribal cultural and
community values. The Tribe has participated in consultation with the United States Treasury
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 11
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
Department and IRS and will evaluate Programs periodically as guidance is further developed
through consultation with the Tribe.
SECTION 3.08.
PRIVACY/INFORMATION SHARING
The Tribe will maintain records regarding sensitive CTUIR, Tribal Member and Qualified
nonmember matters, including tribal customs, religion and traditions, as confidential and protected
from third party disclosures to the fullest extent permitted by law. If information is requested by IRS
or other government agencies or third parties during a compliance review or examination, disclosures
shall be limited to the extent necessary and required by law pending an effort to address such requests
through consultation and other rights under Executive Order 13175 on a government-to-government
basis. Confidential CTUIR information shall not be shared in a manner that would open up
additional disclosure, for example, under information sharing agreements the recipient may be
subject to or under the Freedom of Information Act.
SECTION 3.09.
GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIP; EXECUTIVE ORDER
13175
Coordination with IRS and the United States Treasury Department on General Welfare matters shall
be grounded on a government-to-government relationship that recognizes the unique relationship
between the federal government and the Tribal government. The federal government, as a result of
its treaty obligations and trust responsibility, has committed to providing education, housing, clean
water, and many other basic needs for Indian people. Through a conscientious shift in policy in
recent decades, the federal government has encouraged the Tribe itself to provide for such needs in
partnership with the federal government and, increasingly in recent years, instead of the federal
government. Essential to the government-to-government relationship is mutual respect and deference
to Tribal governance decisions. Future consultations on General Welfare matters should reflect these
concerns and the fact that the Tribal government, through its own policy setting process, is best
situated to determine the needs of the Tribe and its Members and the appropriate policy solutions.
All references to Executive Order 13175 shall include any future amendments thereto.
SECTION 3.10.
OTHER TAX EXEMPTIONS
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Tribe reserves the right to waive income limits
or needs basis criteria, to the extent otherwise applicable, for expenditures that otherwise qualify for
tax exemptions including tax exemptions under Titles 25 or 26 of the United States Code so long as
the conditions for exemption are met. Without limitation, this includes Member medical benefits
exempt under Section 9021 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Internal
Revenue Code Section 139D) and per capita expenses exempt under 25 U.S.C. Sections 1407 and
1408.
SECTION 3.11.
DELEGATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION
A.
The Board of Trustees, acting through the Office of the Executive Director, (collectively, the
“administrator”), shall be charged with the responsibility and authority to administer the
welfare assistance payment program called for by this Code. The office of the Executive
Director may also delegate administrative functions under its direction and oversight. All
powers and duties conferred on the administrator shall be exercised or performed in the
exercise of the administrator’s discretion regardless of whether the provision conferring such
power or imposing such duty specifically refers to the administrator’s discretion.
B.
All decisions of the administrator upon all matters within the scope of its authority shall be
binding and conclusive upon all persons.
C.
All actions taken by individuals in administering Benefits under this Code shall be presumed
to be taken in their official capacity.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 12
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 3.12.
NO WAIVER OF TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY
All rights and liabilities associated with the enactment of this Code, and the Assistance payments
made hereunder, shall be construed and enforced according to the laws of the CTUIR. The Board of
Trustees is vested with the authority and discretion to construe the terms of this Code. Nothing in
this Code or the related policies or procedures, if any, shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign
immunity or to make applicable any laws or regulations which the Tribe is entitled to exemption from
in accordance with its sovereign status.
CHAPTER 4.
ELDERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
SECTION 4.01.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Elders’ Assistance Programs authorized in this chapter is to provide support for
the tribal elders to ensure adequate home heating, cooling, utilities and maintenance, and other
household related needs. The program also is intended to provide assistance to elders who can
benefit from help with meal preparation or home-delivered meals, household chores or day care
outside of the home, local or medical transportation, educational, social or cultural travel, and
improvements to the home to adapt to special needs.
SECTION 4.02.
FINDINGS AND INTENT
The Elders’ Assistance Program is based upon the following findings by and intent of the Board of
Trustees:
A.
Ensuring the well-being of tribal elders is an important traditional value of the CTUIR and its
Members. The Board of Trustees and Tribal Members recognize that the elders had not had
significant opportunities for education, employment, pension plans and personal asset
accumulation during their earlier years. Many elders suffer from health conditions, such as
diabetes.
B.
Recognizing the importance of supporting elders, the Board of Trustees is committed to
ensuring the availability of resources in future years to assure annual funding is available for
the Elders’ Assistance Program.
C.
The Board of Trustees has established and funds the Nixyaawii Elders Program to ensure that
Tribal elders can help determine the needs of Tribal elders and how Elders’ Assistance
Program benefits may be provided.
D.
The Board of Trustees intends that all Elders’ Assistance Program benefits are authorized
pursuant to this Code, and shall be administered in accordance and compliance therewith.
The Elders’ Assistance Program benefits are intended to be non-taxable and intended to meet
the IRS "safe harbor" rules for tax free treatment of qualifying benefits under the Tribal
General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014, now codified within the Internal Revenue Code
Section 139E, and IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-35. Accordingly, Elders’ Assistance
Program benefits provided in accordance with this chapter are intended to qualify for
favorable tax treatment to the fullest extent permitted under the general welfare doctrine.
SECTION 4.03.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
The Board of Trustees delegates the authority to implement the Elders’ Assistance Programs and
appropriate procedures and activities to implement this chapter as follows:
A.
To the Office of Executive Director to administer the monthly Elders’ General Assistance
payments and to assist the Nixyaawii Elders Program in the administration of the Elders’ Energy
Assistance Benefits paid from the Nixyaawii Elders Fund; and
B.
To the Nixyaawii Elders Program the authority to determine the amount of and fund the Elders’
Energy Assistance payment from the annual appropriations into the Nixyaawii Elders Fund.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 13
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 4.04.
A.
ELDERS’ GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Monthly Elders’ General Assistance
There is hereby authorized an Elders' General Assistance Benefit for each Tribal Member
who has achieved the age of 65. The Benefit shall be paid beginning with the month
following the month in which each Tribal Member achieves the age of 65 years up to and
including the month in which a member is deceased.
B.
Amount of Benefit. The amount of the monthly Elders’ General Assistance Benefit shall be
as determined and periodically adjusted by official action of the Board of Trustees. The
benefit shall meet the requirements of section 2.01(A) of this Code.
C.
Purpose of the Assistance.
The purpose of this Elders’ General Assistance Benefit is to help elders with household and
other needs to improve their standard of living, and to mitigate the impact on this particular
segment of Tribal Members of having to endure decades of low tribal economic opportunity
during critical working years.
D.
Safe Harbor Benefits.
The Elders’ General Assistance Program Benefits may be used to assist with those recognized
“safe-harbor” purposes as discussed within Section 2.02 of this Code.
E.
Tribal Specific Needs.
1.
2.
Costs consistent with any safe harbor purpose, but not specifically listed, within
Section 2.02, including;
a.
Property taxes related to principal residence;
b.
Homeowners insurance, including earthquake and flood coverage;
c.
Other medical expenses not otherwise paid by the Yellowhawk Tribal Health
Center, the Indian Health Service or other medical care insurance.
Professional services needed to preserve and protect the Tribal Member’s household
and assets, including but not limited to taxation issues, financial and estate planning,
living wills and trusts.
SECTION 4.05.
A.
ELDERS’ ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Elders' Energy Assistance Program.
There is hereby authorized an Elders' Energy Assistance Benefit for each Tribal Member who
has achieved the age of 55. The Benefit shall be paid on a date determined by the Nixyaawii
Elders Program. The Benefit shall be available to each Tribal Member who achieves the age
of 55 years prior to the date the Tribal Elders’ Energy Assistance Benefit is paid up to and
including the month in which a member is deceased.
B.
Amount of Benefit.
The amount of the monthly Elders’ Energy Assistance Benefit shall be as established by the
Nixyaawii Elders Program, which Benefit amount shall be the same for each qualified Tribal
Member.
C.
Purpose of the Assistance.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 14
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
The purpose of this Elders’ Energy Assistance Benefit is to help elders with household utility
bills during the cold winter and hot summer months.
D.
Safe Harbor Benefits.
The Elders’ Assistance Program Benefits may be used to assist with those recognized “safeharbor” purposes as discussed within Section 2.02 of this Code.
SECTION 4.06.
A.
BENEFITS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT
No Entitlements Intended
The Elders’ General Assistance and Elder’s Energy Assistance Programs authorized pursuant
to this chapter are not entitlement programs. The Tribe has made provision to fund the
Programs by establishing the funds for the Programs within the Tribal budget, but the
Programs may be changed or eliminated as determined to be necessary or appropriate and no
Tribal Member or his or her estate has any vested interest in potential or unused benefits
available under the programs. The receipt of Program Benefits does not create a vested right
in the Tribal Member elder, the members of the Tribal Member elder’s household, their estate
or their heirs at law.
B.
These Programs shall be unfunded for tax purposes. These Programs will be administered in a
manner to avoid premature taxation through the IRS doctrines of constructive receipt and
economic benefit.
C.
Amounts authorized pursuant to this chapter are based on estimates of the total costs typically
incurred by a Tribal Member elder to provide for safe harbor and Tribal specific needs, and
are set at amounts that are expected to be lower than the Beneficiary’s total actual household
or special needs. In the unusual event that Program Benefits exceed the elder's actual need for
a calendar year, the elder must return the excess or notify the Tribe, by December 31, of any
excess that was not returned so that the excess can be reported as taxable income.
D.
Amounts provided under this chapter are limited to the amounts appropriated for the
Programs and to such limitations as shall be set forth within the Tribal budget.
E.
Taxes. These Programs are approved under the provisions of and intended to qualify for
treatment under this Code. These Programs are also intended to qualify for safe harbor tax
treatment under Section 139E of the Internal Revenue Code. The Tribe intends that the
services and or benefits derived from the programs shall qualify for favorable tax treatment to
the fullest extent permitted under the general welfare doctrine and applicable law.
F.
Although the Tribe intends the most favorable income tax treatment available under federal
and state tax laws, the Tribe will not provide or pay for professional assistance to complete
tax returns or if participants are audited or reviewed by federal or state taxing authorities. The
Tribe will not be responsible for or pay any tax penalties or interest incurred by participants in
connection with their participation in the program. It is the responsibility of each recipient to
consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the taxability or reporting obligations of program
benefits.
G.
The Tribe shall not be liable for continuation of these Programs beyond the budgetary
resources appropriated by the Board of Trustees or, as to the Elders’ Energy Assistance
Benefits, the allocation of the Nixyaawii Elders Fund by the Nixyaawii Elders Program.
SECTION 4.07.
BENEFICIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Beneficiaries of the Elders’ General Assistance and the Elders’ Energy Assistance Programs are
responsible to:
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 15
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
A.
Provide such information to the Tribe as is requested to evaluate the needs of the Programs,
including responding to surveys of safe harbor and other Tribal specific costs incurred by the
Beneficiary.
B.
Maintain appropriate records or receipts to substantiate that Benefit amounts provided by the
Program were expended for eligible Program purposes.
C.
In the unusual event that Program Benefits exceed the Beneficiary’s actual need for a calendar
year, the Beneficiary must return the excess or notify the Tribe, by December 31, of any
excess that was not returned so that the excess can be reported as taxable income.
SECTION 4.08.
SUBSTANTIATION AND RECORDS
The Office of the Executive Director shall provide for:
A.
A survey of actual Beneficiary costs associated with safe harbor and Tribal specific needs as
described in Sections 4.04 and 4.05:
B.
Notification of Tribal elders of the purposes of the Programs authorized by this chapter, the
authorized Benefits, the purposes for which the Benefits may be utilized and the Beneficiary
responsibilities under the Programs.
C.
Tax reporting to the extent of any excess Benefits reported by any Beneficiary in the
Programs as discussed in Section 4.07(C).
D.
Maintenance of records, including surveys and evaluations for each year of the Programs for a
period of not less than six years following the end of the Calendar Year for which Benefits are
paid.
SECTION 4.09.
RIGHT TO ENCUMBER
A Tribal Member may assign, pledge or encumber any Elders’ General Assistance benefit to be paid
to the Tribal Member as collateral to secure the payment of a financial obligation of the Tribal
Member to a financial institution or service provider including, but not limited to, the Nixyaawii
Community Financial Services.
CHAPTER 5.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMUNITY DONATION PROGRAM
SECTION 5.01.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Board of Trustees Community Donation Program is to provide support for Tribal
Members and Tribal Member groups to participate in educational, cultural, recreational and
community improvement projects and activities.
SECTION 5.02.
FINDINGS AND INTENT
The Board of Trustees Community Donation Program is based upon the following findings:
A.
Tribal Members and community groups are in need of financial assistance to participate in
educational, cultural, recreational and community improvement projects, events and activities
that will benefit individual Tribal Members and the Tribal community.
B.
The Board of Trustees annually appropriates Tribal funds into the Board of Trustees Donation
Fund to provide financial assistance to Tribal Members and community groups to participate
in educational, cultural, recreational and community improvement projects and activities.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 16
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 5.03.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
The Board of Trustees delegates the authority to implement the Board of Trustees Community
Donation Program and appropriate rules and procedures to implement this chapter to the Tribal
Finance Department.
SECTION 5.04.
A.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMUNITY DONATION PROGRAM
Eligible Applicants.
Any Tribal Member may file an application for Program Benefits individually or on behalf of
a Tribal entity or group.
B.
Filing Applications.
Applications shall be submitted on Request for BOT Donation Forms available at the Finance
Department. Applications may be filed at any time, but must be filed at least three (3)
working days before funds are needed.
C.
Application Requirements.
Applications must request funding for only the following purposes:
D.
1.
Education, but the application may not include funding for college books, tuition or
educational loan repayment;
2.
Cultural, including learning about or participating in a Tribal traditional or cultural
event or project;
3.
Recreation, including activities that promote physical fitness, participation in team or
individual athletic events or expenses associated with supporting teams consisting of
Tribal Members; and
4.
Community improvement, including programs such as Neighborhood Watch, trash
pick-up, graffiti removal.
Benefit Amounts and Restrictions.
1.
In any calendar year, a Tribal Member, team or organization is only entitled to one (1)
benefit payment.
2.
Benefits shall be as determined and periodically adjusted by official action of the
Board of Trustees. The benefit shall meet the requirements of section 2.01(A) of this
Code.
3.
Benefit Restrictions. No Benefit shall be awarded for the following:
a.
For a recreational event involving adult Tribal Members or for adult sports
teams;
b.
The Benefit shall not fund more than 50% of the total cost of the project,
activity or event;
c.
Travel expense for mileage, meals and lodging cannot exceed the federal
government per diem rates;
d.
For community events sponsored by a Tribal government department or
program;
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 17
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
e.
4.
For individual family events such as memorials, give-aways, namings, family
reunions, etc.
Safe Harbor Benefits. The Board of Trustees Community Donation Program Benefits
may be used to assist with those recognized “safe-harbor” purposes as discussed
within Section 2.02 of this Code.
SECTION 5.05.
BENEFICIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Beneficiaries of the Board of Trustees Community Donation Program are responsible to:
A.
Accurately provide requested information in applications for Program benefits.
B.
Provide information to the Tribe as is requested to evaluate the needs of the Program,
including responding to surveys of safe harbor and other Tribal specific costs incurred by the
Beneficiary.
C.
Maintain appropriate records or receipts to substantiate that Benefit amounts provided by the
Program were expended for eligible Program purposes.
CHAPTER 6.
TRADITIONAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BENEFITS
SECTION 6.01.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the traditional, cultural and religious benefits provided under this Chapter is to
promote participation in, education about and practice of Tribal traditions, culture and religion. After
decades of federal practices and policies that discouraged the exercise of Tribal culture, the speaking
of Tribal languages and the practice of Tribal traditional religions, the CTUIR has been and remains
committed to preserving and protecting its traditional, cultural and religious practices, ceremonies
and beliefs and hereby establishes benefits in furtherance of that objective.
SECTION 6.02.
FINDINGS AND INTENT
The traditional, cultural and religious benefits provided in this Chapter are based upon the followings
findings and intent of the Board of Trustees:
A.
The CTUIR is committed to the preservation and practice of its traditional, cultural and
religious practices and ceremonies. As a critical element of its cultural commitment, the
CTUIR is also committed to the preservation of the Tribal languages and history.
B.
The CTUIR routinely conducts, as they have since time immemorial, traditional, cultural and
religious ceremonies that involve the participation of Tribal traditional, cultural and religious
leaders and practitioners.
C.
The CTUIR has traditionally provided gifts and other forms of honoraria to Tribal traditional,
cultural and religious leaders and practitioners for their knowledge about, and leadership of,
Tribal traditional, cultural and religious practices and ceremonies.
D.
Tribal traditional, cultural and religious ceremonies and practices, and the benefits provided
under this Chapter, promote the general welfare of the CTUIR and its Members.
E.
The benefits provided under this Chapter are consistent with Internal Revenue Code Section
139E as provided in Section 2.01 of this Code and with the IRS safe harbor provisions as
provided in Section 2.02 of this Code.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 18
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 6.03.
BENEFIT AUTHORIZATION
Traditional, cultural and religious benefits authorized under this Chapter may be provided by the
CTUIR acting through its departments, programs and governmental subdivisions in conformance
with CTUIR policies. In addition, the Board of Trustees delegates the authority to provide and
implement the traditional, cultural and religious benefits provided in this Chapter that meet the
requirements set forth in this Code to entities and enterprises chartered, owned or controlled by the
CTUIR.
SECTION 6.04.
A.
B.
TRADITIONAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BENEFITS
The CTUIR may provide the following benefits to Tribal Members and Qualified
nonmembers:
1.
Awards, including but not limited to, items of cultural significance, gifts and cash
honoraria, may be provided to Tribal traditional, cultural and religious leaders or
participants for providing traditional, cultural or religious services including, but not
limited to, officiating, singing, drumming, making burial or funerary items for burials
and repatriations and participating at Tribal ceremonies or events. Awards provided to
individuals are not considered and do not represent compensation for services.
2.
Awards, including but not limited to, items of cultural significance, gifts and cash
honoraria, may be provided to traditional, cultural and religious leaders, practitioners
and teachers, for their contribution to the practice and preservation of Tribal traditions,
culture, religion, language and history. Awards provided to individuals are not
considered and do not represent compensation for services.
3.
The provision of traditional foods and medicines including, but not limited to, salmon,
deer and elk.
4.
Pay expenses, including but not limited to, admission fees, transportation, food and
lodging, to attend or participate in the CTUIR’s cultural, social, religious or
community activities.
5.
Pay expenses, including but not limited to, admission fees, transportation, food and
lodging, to visit sites that are culturally or historically significant for the CTUIR,
including but not limited to other Indian reservations.
6.
Pay the costs of receiving instruction about the CTUIR’s culture, history and
traditions, including but not limited to, traditional language, music and dances.
7.
Pay transportation costs and admission fees to attend educational, social, or cultural
programs offered or supported by the CTUIR or another tribe.
Requirements for provision of traditional, cultural and religious benefits. Any Tribal
governmental or commercial entity that provides traditional, cultural or religious benefits
shall:
1.
Provide benefits pursuant to the criteria established in section 6.04(A) of this chapter
or pursuant to written guidelines established by the entity for determining eligibility to
receive traditional, cultural or religious benefits.
2.
The guidelines governing the provisions of benefits under this chapter are consistent
with the provisions of sections 2.01 and 2.02 of this Code.
3.
Provide to the Tribal Finance Department prior to the issuance or award of a
traditional, cultural or religious benefit under this chapter the following:
a.
a description of the benefit; and
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 19
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
b.
the guidelines by which the benefit will be awarded.
The Finance Department shall inform the Tribal governmental or commercial entity
additional information requirements that are required to ensure the exemption from
federal income tax under the General Welfare Exclusion Doctrine and this Code.
4.
Provide to the Tribal Finance Department the following information upon the
provision of a traditional, cultural or religious benefit under this chapter:
a.
The name of the person(s) provided the benefit;
b.
The type and value of the benefit;
c.
Any other information required to demonstrate compliance with this Code
requested by the Finance Department.
SECTION 6.05.
BENEFITS NOT COVERED BY THIS CHAPTER
Benefits in the form of prizes, awards, gifts or payments shall not be covered under this Chapter
under the following circumstances:
A.
When they are provided as a door prize or a raffle at a Tribal event.
B.
When the benefit is provided to a corporation, partnership or other business entity.
C.
When the benefit is a gift card or other matter that does not meet the definition of an item of
cultural significance provided solely for attendance at a Cultural Activity.
D.
When the Beneficiary is an individual who is not a Tribal Member or Qualified nonmember
as defined in this Code.
E.
When the prize, award, gift or payment is made in a manner that violates this Code.
SECTION 6.06.
EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions of this Chapter shall be effective on January 1, 2015.
CHAPTER 7.
477 PROGRAM PLAN; BUILDING OUR LIFE SKILLS, TRAINING AND
EMPLOYMENT-READINESS PROGRAM
SECTION 7.01.
PURPOSE
A.
477 Program Plan. The 477 Program Plan is intended to assist eligible participants with their
employment and training needs in order to improve the effectiveness of those services, reduce
joblessness in our Tribal community to achieve the goal of Tribal self-determination.
B.
Building Our Life Skills, Training and Employment-Readiness (BOLSTER) Program. The
purpose of the BOLSTER Program (formerly known as the Day Labor or Day Training
Program) is to enhance employment and life skills through a case managed process where
participants are provided training and guidance while serving as part of a team. Successful
participants will receive a training stipend during their participation in the Program. The
BOLSTER Program is designed to be a stepping stone to other training and employment
opportunities offered by the CTUIR.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 20
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 7.02.
FINDINGS AND INTENT
The 477 Program Plan and BOLSTER Program benefits provided in this Chapter are based upon the
followings findings and intent of the Board of Trustees:
A.
The CTUIR is committed to enabling its members to train and qualify for employment and to
identify and address obstacles to their employment.
B.
The CTUIR recognizes that its members may need assistance in acquiring the training, life
skills, clothing and equipment to qualify for employment positions that are available within
the Reservation community.
C.
Despite the growth in job opportunities on the Umatilla Indian Reservation over the past 25
years, unemployment among Tribal members has persisted at an unacceptable rate.
D.
The 477 Program Plan, including the BOLSTER Program is designed to address the training
and employment needs of CTUIR members who are either unemployed or underemployed,
and eligible veterans.
E.
By Revenue Ruling 63-136, the Internal Revenue Service has determined that benefit
payments made to persons participating in Federal job training or retraining programs are not
includable in the gross income of program participants.
F.
The benefits provided under this Chapter are consistent with Internal Revenue Code Section
139E as provided in Section 2.01 of this Code and with the IRS safe harbor provisions as
provided in Section 2.02 of this Code.
SECTION 7.03.
BENEFIT AUTHORIZATION
The 477 Program Plan and BOLSTER Program benefits authorized under this Chapter may be
provided by the CTUIR acting through its Department of Children and Family Services and other
Tribal departments, programs and governmental subdivisions in conformance with CTUIR policies.
SECTION 7.04.
A.
B.
ELIGIBILITY FOR BOLSTER PROGRAM BENEFITS
All participants in the BOLSTER Program must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1.
Be at least 18 years of age;
2.
Be an enrolled member of the CTUIR;
3.
Be unemployed;
4.
Be willing to participate in and complete an orientation for the BOLSTER Program;
5.
Be willing and able to do the assigned work and meet required physical demands;
6.
Be willing to coordinate with their case manager in the development of their
employment training needs, assignments and program;
7.
Be willing to consent to a criminal background check, the results of which will be
used to determine the participant’s appropriate employment training, placement on a
training team and location for receipt of employment training; and
8.
Be willing to comply with the drug-free rules while participating in the BOLSTER
Program.
The BOLSTER Program is an employment training program for eligible participants.
Participants will be considered trainees, not employees, and therefore will not receive
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 21
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
employment benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, dental/vision benefits, holiday
pay, administrative pay, or other fringe benefits offered to employees of the CTUIR.
SECTION 7.05.
A.
The CTUIR may provide the following benefits to eligible CTUIR Members participating in
the BOLSTER Program:
1.
Employment and life skills training. Participants will receive training and skills
development sessions throughout the BOLSTER Program. These sessions will be
provided as a group or in a one-on-one session between a case worker/field supervisor
and the participant. All sessions will be documented in the participant’s file. Sessions
may include trainings such as general labor, first aid/CPR, resume and cover letter
writing, GED process, customer service, computer skills, food handling, cash handling
and interviewing skills. Life skills training may include promptness, reliability,
responsibility, communication and work ethic.
2.
Employment support services. BOLSTER Program participants may also be eligible
for additional services offered by Tribal departments and programs to support their
employment training and prospects. The participant’s case worker will evaluate the
participant’s needs and the services that may be available to address those needs.
Participants may be eligible for the following services:
3.
B.
BOLSTER PROGRAM BENEFITS
a.
Work clothes/supplies;
b.
Childcare payment assistance;
c.
Transportation;
d.
Referrals to Yellowhawk for alcohol and drug, mental health, and other
medical services;
e.
Housing;
f.
Veterans’ services;
g.
Office of Child Support Enforcement services; and
h.
Education, vocational rehabilitation and related services.
Stipend. BOLSTER Program trainees successfully completing training and project
requirements are eligible for a daily stipend in an amount to be determined by the
Board of Trustees, which shall be paid periodically and shall be based on the number
of days completed by the participant. To receive the daily stipend, the participant must
attend the full day’s training or project. Program organizers may also arrange for half
day trainings, case work or projects, in which case participants shall be eligible for a
daily stipend to be determined by the Board of Trustees. Stipends are provided to the
participant for their successful participation in the BOLSTER Program and are not
compensation for services.
Requirements for provision of BOLSTER Program benefits. Any Tribal governmental or
commercial entity that provides benefits under this chapter shall:
1.
Provide benefits to eligible participants who meet the eligibility criteria established in
section 7.04(A) of this chapter and any applicable written guidelines established by the
entity for determining eligibility to receive BOLSTER Program benefits.
2.
The guidelines governing the provisions of benefits under this chapter are consistent
with the provisions of sections 2.01 and 2.02 of this Code.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 22
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
3.
Provide to the Tribal Finance Department the following information upon the
provision of BOLSTER Program benefits under this chapter:
a.
The name of the person(s) provided the benefit;
b.
The type and value of the benefit;
c.
Any other information required to demonstrate compliance with this Code
requested by the Finance Department.
SECTION 7.06.
A.
477 PROGRAM PLAN BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY
The CTUIR may provide the following benefits to eligible CTUIR Members participating in
the 477 Program Plan:
1.
Tribal On-The-Job Training
2.
Youth Program Services
3.
Career Services
4.
Support Services (to overcome employment handicaps)
5.
Business Development
B.
Eligibility Criteria. The eligibility criteria for each of the 477 Programs set forth in
subsection A, above, shall be as set forth in the 477 Program Plan.
C.
Benefits. The benefits for each of the 477 Programs set forth in subsection A, above, shall be
as set forth in the 477 Program Plan, which benefits may be adjusted by official action of the
Board of Trustees.
D.
All benefits provided under the 477 Program meet the definition of Assistance as provided in
Section 1.11(A) of this Code except for payments that constitute compensation for services.
SECTION 7.07.
EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions of this Chapter shall be effective on January 1, 2017.
CHAPTER 8.
ASSISTANCE UNDER TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE CODE
SECTION 8.01.
PURPOSE
The Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) and the TERO Code were established for the
following purposes:
A.
To prevent employment related discrimination against American Indians;
B.
To ensure preference in employment, contracting and sub-contracting, and training to
American Indians;
C.
To maximize utilization of Indian workers in all employment opportunities on or near the
Umatilla Indian Reservation; and
D.
To ensure the Indian workforce on the Umatilla Indian Reservation are trained and equipped
to enter the workforce and maintain employment of their choosing.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 23
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 8.02.
FINDINGS
The need for the TERO Program and the benefits described below is based on the following findings:
A.
Jobs in the private employment sector on and near the Umatilla Indian Reservation are an
important resource for Indians residing on and near the Reservation.
B.
In order to attract private employers to locate on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Indians
residing on or near the Reservation need to have the training and skills those employers
require.
C.
The TERO Program is consistent with and supplemental to existing federal and tribal law
prohibiting employment discrimination against Indians and providing employment and
contract preference to individual Indians and Indian-owned enterprises.
D.
Indian employment on the Umatilla Indian Reservation continues to be a concern of sufficient
magnitude to warrant improved training and employment opportunities for Indians living on
and near the Reservation.
E.
Many unemployed Indians on the Umatilla Indian Reservation may have social barriers to
employment such as poor education, substance abuse, the lack of vocational training or the
lack of tools and other equipment required by their preferred vocation that need to be
addressed.
F.
By Revenue Ruling 63-136, the Internal Revenue Service has determined that benefit
payments made to persons participating in Federal job training or retraining programs are not
includable in the gross income of program participants.
G.
The benefits provided under this Chapter are consistent with Internal Revenue Code Section
139E as provided in Section 2.01 of this Code and with the IRS safe harbor provisions as
provided in Section 2.02 of this Code.
SECTION 8.03.
BENEFIT AUTHORIZATION
The TERO Program is established and authorized by the TERO Code approved by the Board of
Trustees. Pursuant to Section 2.01 of the TERO Code, the TERO Program Manager has the authority
to administer the TERO Program, including the services and benefits described below. The Board of
Trustees also adopted the TERO Tax Guidelines on July 17, 2017 for the use of TERO tax revenue to
provide the benefits to TERO clients.
SECTION 8.04.
ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS
The TERO Program benefits described in Section 8.05 shall be available to TERO clients. TERO
clients include all persons enrolled in the CTUIR, persons enrolled in a federally recognized Indian
tribe who lives on or near the Umatilla Indian Reservation and a person that is the spouse or
dependent of an enrolled CTUIR member residing on or near the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The
TERO Program may provide a preference to CTUIR enrolled members in the provision of the
benefits described in Section 8.05, especially for benefits paid for by CTUIR funds.
SECTION 8.05.
TERO PROGRAM BENEFITS
The TERO Program may provide the following benefits to TERO clients:
A.
Individual Assistance. TERO Program assistance to individual TERO clients may consist of
the following benefits. The maximum assistance that may be provided to any person shall be
as set forth in the TERO Tax Guidelines that are referenced in Section 6.03(E) of the TERO
Code.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 24
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
B.
1.
Fuel. Individuals may be assisted with fuel costs for travel to job and training sites.
Carpooling will be prioritized.
2.
Per Diem. Per Diem assistance is permissible for a maximum of the first ten days at a
job or up to thirty days at a training site off-Reservation. The CTUIR utilizes the per
diem rates established annually by the Government Services Administration (GSA).
3.
Lodging. Lodging costs are permissible for a maximum of the first ten days at an offReservation job or up to twenty days at an off-Reservation training site. The CTUIR
utilizes the lodging rates established annually by the GSA.
4.
Clothing. Appropriate, work-related clothing may be purchased for the individual for
jobs and training. Costs of replacement clothing are the responsibility of the
individual.
5.
Tools and Equipment. Individuals may receive assistance with tools and/or equipment
that are essential to a job or training. TERO staff must verify all requests for tools and/or
equipment with contractor or trainer prior to providing assistance. Costs of replacement
tools and/or equipment are the responsibility of the individual.
6.
Safety Gear. Individuals may receive assistance for safety gear. TERO staff must
verify all requests for safety gear with the contractor or trainer. Cost of replacing
safety gear is the responsibility of the individual.
7.
Union Dues. Assistance with union dues is limited to one payment per calendar year.
Individuals may receive financial assistance to reimburse the individual for the
payment of union dues. The TERO office must receive an invoice from the union
before the payment will be made.
8.
Other. Other job and training-related items or fees that are not listed above may be
considered based on written request to the TERO Program Manager.
9.
Training and Workshops. TERO may provide or pay for employment or vocational
training and workshops for TERO clients. TERO may provide stipends to TERO clients
for their participation in a training or workshop. TERO clients successfully completing
the training or workshop may be eligible for a daily stipend in an amount to be determined
by the TERO Program Director. To receive the stipend, the TERO client must attend the
full training or workshop. Stipends are provided to the TERO client for their successful
participation in the TERO training or workshop and are not compensation for services.
All benefits provided under the TERO Program meet the definition of Assistance as provided
in Section 1.11(A) of this Code except for payments that constitute compensation for services.
SECTION 8.06.
CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING TERO PROGRAM BENEFITS
The TERO Program Manager shall allocate TERO Program benefits based upon the following
criteria:
A.
CTUIR enrolled members shall receive preference for TERO Program benefits.
B.
The relevance of the benefit to the TERO client’s career experience and goals.
C.
The prior TERO work experience, reliability and performance of the TERO client.
D.
In appropriate circumstances, a TERO client may be denied a benefit based upon the prior
receipt of TERO Program benefits.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 25
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
SECTION 8.07.
EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions of this Chapter shall be effective on January 1, 2018.
APPENDIX A
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 26
STATUTES of the CONFEDERATED TRIBES of the UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
As Amended through Resolution No. 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023)
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
The Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation enacted the
General Welfare Code pursuant to Resolution 14-067 (December 15, 2014). In Resolution 14-067,
the Board of Trustees also directed the Office of the Executive Director and Office of Legal Counsel
to develop additional chapters to the General Welfare Code addressing additional Tribal benefits
including Elders assistance, burial assistance, housing down payment assistance, tribal scholarships,
elders energy assistance, tribal community donations, and tribal cultural participation payments.
In Resolution 14-068 (December 22, 2014), the Board of Trustees amended the General Welfare
Code to add chapters 4 and 5, bringing administration of the Elders’ Services Code benefits, Elders’
Energy Assistance Benefits, and the Board of Trustees Donation Fund benefits within the scope of
the General Welfare Code. Resolution 14-068 also rescinded the Elders’ Services Code.
In Resolution 15-012 (February 23, 2015), the Board of Trustees amended section 4.04(B) of the
General Welfare Code to increase the amount of the monthly elders’ general assistance payments.
In Resolution 15-017 (March 9, 2015), the Board of Trustees enacted a new Chapter 6 to the General
Welfare Code setting forth the traditional, cultural, and religious benefits provided by the
Confederated Tribes that are exempt from federal income tax.
In Resolution 17-080 (November 27, 2017), the Board of Trustees amended sections 4.04(B) and
5.04(D) of the General Welfare Code to allow flexibility in the benefit amounts provided under those
chapters, as such amounts change over time by official action of the Board of Trustees. Resolution
17-080 also added a new Chapter 7 to the Code, to ensure that stipends and other benefits provided to
BOLSTER program participants are covered by and receive the benefits of the General Welfare
Code.
In Resolution 18-077 (October 22, 2018), the Board of Trustees enacted a new Chapter 8 to the
General Welfare Code. Chapter 8 addresses benefits provided to clients of the Tribal Employment
Rights Office (TERO) pursuant to the CTUIR TERO Code, to ensure that such benefits are covered
by and receive the benefits of the General Welfare Code.
In Resolution 20-024 (March 16, 2020), the Board of Trustees amended section 8.05 of the General
Welfare Code to increase the availability of per diem and lodging expense reimbursement for TERO
Program participants at job sites and trainings.
In Resolution 23-105 (December 11, 2023; ratified December 18, 2023), the Board of Trustees
amended the General Welfare Code in response to corresponding changes to the Gaming Revenue
Allocation Plan. Specifically, the Board of Trustees amended section 3.06 to allow for general
welfare assistance payments to be garnished if expressly permitted under other CTUIR law, and
added a new section 4.06 allowing a Tribal Member to assign, pledge, or encumber any Elders’
general Assistance benefit as collateral to secure repayment of a financial obligation to a financial
institution.
GENERAL WELFARE CODE
PAGE 27
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.