# HO-CHUNK NATION CODE (HCC)

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- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

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HO-CHUNK NATION CODE (HCC)
TITLE 2 – GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 4 – APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET PROCESS ACT
ENACTED BY LEGISLATURE: JUNE 22, 2000
LAST AMENDED AND RESTATED: June 7, 2022

CITE AS: 2 HCC § 4
This Act supersedes HCC 96-002, Appropriations and Budget Process Act as amended by
Ho-Chunk Nation Legislative Resolutions 6/6/00B, 4/11/00E and 05/03/11D, and up through 06/23/20A

1.

Authority.

a.
Article V, Section 2(a) of the Constitution grants the Legislature the power to make
laws, including codes, ordinances, resolutions, and statutes.
b.
Article V, Section 2(d) of the Constitution grants the Legislature the power to
authorize expenditures by law and appropriate funds to the various Departments in an annual
budget.
c.
Article V, Section 2(e) of the Constitution grants the Legislature the power to raise
revenue, including the power to levy and collect taxes and license fees.
d.
Article V, Section 2(h) of the Constitution grants the Legislature the power to enact
all laws prohibiting and regulating conduct and imposing penalties upon all persons within the
jurisdiction of the Nation.
e.
Article V, Section 13 of the Constitution state that the Legislature shall enact an
annual budget. The budget shall include an appropriation of operating funds for each branch of
the government. The Legislature shall not appropriate funds which have not been authorized by
law. No item shall be included in the budget if it is not authorized by law.
2.
Purpose. This Act provides the Ho-Chunk Nation branches of government policy and
guidance in preparing budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and integrity within the Nation.
3.

Declaration of Policy.

a.
The President is charged with the responsibility to submit proposed budgets to the
Legislature according to law in order for the Executive Branch to receive uninterrupted funding.
b.
The Legislature may not fund programs if it determines that such funding would
result in duplication of existing programs and services to the Ho-Chunk Nation members.

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c.
Funds appropriated under this Act may only be used for the specific purpose for
which they have been appropriated.
d.

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision of this Act.

e.
It shall be unlawful for any person to order, coerce, command, or attempt to
persuade any other person to violate any provision of the Act.
f.

An officer or employee of the Nation may not:
(1)

Make or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount
available in an appropriation or to fund such expenditures or obligations,
unless otherwise provided within this Act.

(2)

Involve the Nation in a contract of obligation for the payment of money
before an appropriation is made for such contract or obligation unless
authorized by law.

g.
To the extent that this Act may conflict with the Nation’s Finance Ordinance or
any other law of the Nation, this Act shall supersede such procedures or law.
h.
The Nation shall prepare the various Budgets for the Branches so grant funds shall
be used in accordance with the grant guidelines and expended prior to NPD funds.
4.

Definitions. As used in this Act, the following shall have the meaning provided here.

a.
“Appropriations Act” means any detailed budget bill, including accompanying
narratives and line-item appropriations, or any amendments thereof approved by a majority of the
Legislature acting at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present.
b.
“Appropriations Bill” means final budget recommendations assembled by the
Finance Commission which detail both discretionary and mandatory spending along with
identifying any funds designated for particular purpose and which is presented to the Legislature
for consideration, amendment and/or passage.
c.
“Budget Modification” means any replacement, alteration, or change to a specific
line item or an obligation of funds from a specific line item in order to adjust a line item(s) that has
been over/under spent or is identified as a financial need prior to overspending. See paragraph 6.a.
for exclusions, which are specifically prohibited.
d.

“Department of Justice” means the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Justice.

e.
“Discretionary Spending” refers to the budgetary amounts controlled by an
Appropriation Act(s). “Discretionary Appropriation” refers to those budgetary resources that are
provided in Appropriation Acts, other than those that fund mandatory programs.
f.
“Enterprise” means any business entity or enterprise owned or operated by the
Nation, including gaming facilities and any other Entity controlled by the Nation.

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g.
“Executive Branch” means those programs and departments, including the Office
of the President, which are designated under the Executive Branch as defined in Article VI of the
Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
h.
“Fiscal Year” means the period beginning on July 1 of any particular calendar year
to June 30 of the following calendar year unless a different period is designated by the Legislature.
i.

“Goal” is a general achievable outcome.

j.
“Judiciary Branch” means the Supreme Court, Trial Court, and Traditional Court
and any other courts which are designated pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution of the HoChunk Nation.
k.
"General Council” means those programs and department(s), including General
Council Agency and General Council, which are designated pursuant to Article IV of the
Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
l.
“Finance Commission” means the Finance Commission of the Ho-Chunk Nation
Legislature with jurisdiction over fiscal issues addressed by the Legislature.
m.

“Legislature” means the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature.

n.
“Mandatory Spending” refers to budget authority that is provided in laws other than
Appropriations Acts. Mandatory spending includes but is not limited to payments on interest,
payments on loan principle or any other spending obligations enacted by law.
o.
“Measurable Results” are the collection, analysis and reporting of data that is
generated by work performance.
p.
$80,000.

“Minor Budget Modification” means any budget modification that is under

q.
“Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Form (MEP)” is a form identifying a
series of metrics designed to monitor, track and evaluate performance of a division or department.
r.

“Nation” means the Ho-Chunk Nation.

s.
“Non-Governmental Agencies” are those that do not fall within the Ho-Chunk
Nation Government such as Gaming Commission, Ethics Review Board, and Ho-Chunk Housing
Community Development Agency.
t.

“Objectives” are the actions needed to achieve the stated goals.

u.

“Operating Income” as defined in the Finance Ordinance.

v.
“Performance Based Budget” is the allocation of budgetary resources based on past
performance to achieve organizational goals.

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w.
“Performance Summary” refers to the identification of a mission, goals, measurable
objectives, analysis of year over year variances, MEP form, and strategy to meet forecasted
performance.
x.

“President” means the President of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

y.
“Quarterly Budget Reviews” will occur at the regular monthly Legislative Finance
Commission Meeting in the month following Quarter End.
z.
“Single Audit” means the audit designed to meet the needs of all federal grantor
agencies and performed in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984 (as amended in 1996)
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations. The Single Audit Act of 1984 (and as amended) is
federal legislation that provides for state and local government recipients of federal financial
awards to have one audit performed to meet the needs of all federal grantor agencies.
aa.

“Special Revenue Funds” as defined in the Finance Ordinance.

bb.

“State of Emergency” as declared by the President or Legislature of the Ho-Chunk
Nation.

cc.
“Strategic Plan” is a document used to determine the organizational goals the
method to achieve those goals and the desired performance measures.
dd.

“SWOT” is defined as strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.

ee.

“Treasury” means the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Treasury.

ff.
“True Increase” will be the ability to allocate funds above the current Legislative
approved Fiscal Year budgetary appropriations following the review of actual results.
5.

Appropriations.
a.

Budget Projections.

(1)
The Finance Commission shall, not later than February 15,
provide notification of budget projections for the succeeding and subsequent fiscal years.
b.

Budget Submissions.
(1)

Executive Branch.

(a)
The President shall submit a proposed annual fiscal year budget,
including detailed narratives for each executive department and/ or program to the
Finance Commission not later than the last business day of March of each year for
the succeeding fiscal year. The proposed budgets shall include an explanation
detailing in which matter the proposed funding is vital for the services to the HoChunk Nation members, detailed justification for continued or increased funding
for such services listing of budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year including
measurable goals and objectives clear metrics as identified in the Monitoring and
Evaluation Performance Form (MEP) and a brief performance summary of the

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differences between the proposed and current budget. The proposed budgets shall
also identify other funding sources that any governmental branch, department,
or program of the Nation is receiving, anticipates receiving, has applied for, or
will apply for from any other source, i.e., federal, state, foundation grants, etc.
(b)
The President shall submit the proposed annual budget, containing
information required in (a), for the Nation’s enterprises to the Finance Commission
not later than January 15 of each year for the succeeding fiscal year.
(c)
The President shall submit the General Fund Revenue proposed
annual budget to the Finance Commission not later than January 15 of each year for
the succeeding fiscal year.
(2)
Legislative Branch. The Vice-President shall submit the proposed annual
budget for the Legislature and the General Fund Expenses Budget to the Finance
Commission not later than the last business day in March of each year for the succeeding
fiscal year. The proposed budgets shall include an explanation detailing in which matter
the proposed funding is vital for the services to the Ho-Chunk Nation members, detailed
justification for continued or increased funding for such services contain a listing of budget
priorities for the upcoming fiscal year including measurable goals and objectives, clear
metrics as identified in the MEP and a brief performance summary of the differences
between the proposed and current budget. The proposed budgets shall also identify
other funding sources that any governmental branch, department, or program of the
Nation is receiving, anticipates receiving, has applied for, or will apply for from any other
source, i.e., federal, state, foundation grants, etc.
(3)
Judicial Branch. The Chief Trial Judge shall submit the proposed annual
budget for the Judicial Branch to the Finance Commission not later than the last business
day in March of each year for the succeeding fiscal year. The proposed budgets shall
include an explanation detailing in which matter the proposed funding is vital for the
services to the Ho-Chunk Nation members, detailed justification for continued or increased
funding for such services contain a listing of budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
including measurable goals and objectives clear metrics as identified in the MEP and a brief
performance summary of the differences between the proposed and current budget. The
proposed budgets shall also identify other funding sources that any governmental branch,
department, or program of the Nation is receiving, anticipates receiving, has applied for, or
will apply for from any other source, i.e., federal, state, foundation grants, etc.
(4)
General Council Branch. The Office of General Council shall submit the
proposed annual budget for the General Council and Office of General Council to the
Finance Commission not later than the last business day in March of each year for the
succeeding fiscal year. The proposed budgets shall include an explanation detailing in
which matter the proposed funding is vital for the services to the Ho-Chunk Nation
members, detailed justification for continued or increased funding for such services
contain a listing of budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year including measurable
goals and objectives clear metrics as identified in the MEP and a brief performance summary
of the differences between the proposed and current budget. The proposed budgets shall
also identify other funding sources that any governmental branch, department, or program
of the Nation is receiving, anticipates receiving, has applied for, or will apply for from any
other source, i.e., federal, state, foundation grants, etc..

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(5)
The President, Vice President, Chief Trial Judge, or Chair of the General
Council Agency may request an extension of time beyond the last business day of March
to submit a proposed annual fiscal year budget provided such request is submitted in
writing to the Chairperson of the Finance Commission prior to March 15. An extension may
be granted by the Legislature if it finds there is good cause to grant an extension. Any
extension beyond the last business day in March shall be authorized by Legislative
Resolution.
c.
The Finance Commission shall, prior to February 15, provide a recommendation
to the Legislature, in the form of a motion, for the spending limits for the succeeding fiscal
year for each and every branch of the Nation’s government. The Legislature shall, not later than
February 15, identify spending limits for the succeeding fiscal year through adoption of a budget
resolution on each and every branch of the Nation’s government along with budget priorities in
order to assist the development of timely and responsible budget bill/act(s).
d.
The Finance Commission may hold and conduct either regular or special committee
hearings to determine whether the proposed budgets are in accordance with program goals as stated
in the budgets. The Finance Commission may require any person to appear before the commission
members to explain and answer any questions that the commission members may have regarding
the proposed budget.
e.
Upon review, the Finance Commission may determine if the proposed budget meets
expected performance measures and specific goals and make adjustments to proposed budgets
where appropriate in response to whether such performance measures and goals were met, not met
or exceeded. Any adjustments may not exceed 10% of the prior years’ budget.
f.
Prior to May 15 the Finance Commission shall assemble final budget
recommendations into one or more draft appropriations bill/act(s) which detail both discretionary
and mandatory spending along with identifying any funds designated for a particular purpose. The
Finance Commission shall also prepare an accompanying report containing a section by section
description of the appropriations act(s), and any additional justifications, narratives and details.
g.
The Finance Commission shall have until May 15 of each year to submit final budget
recommendations in the form of one or more draft appropriations bills and accompanying report(s)
to the full Legislature for consideration and final review. If the Finance Commission cannot have
their recommendations submitted by May 15, the Finance Commission shall refer to the full
Legislature a Continuing Resolution, which would fund a branch, department, or program budget
for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days successively into the following fiscal year. Depending
on the circumstances, the Legislature may alter the deadlines identified in this section. However,
any changes to the deadlines must be identified and accomplished by written resolution.
h.
Following a recommendation from the Finance Commission, the full Legislature
shall adopt or modify the annual appropriations bill(s) for the Nation, or adopt a Continuing
Resolution, no later than five (5) days before the next fiscal year. As a component part of the
annual budget, the Legislature may adopt a Continuing Resolution for funding a branch,
department, or program budget for a period of ninety (90) days into the following fiscal year and
may adopt successive Continuing Resolutions if reasonably necessary. At any point after a
Continuing Resolution is adopted, the Legislature may adopt the annual appropriations bill(s) for
the Nation. Once an appropriations bill is adopted by the Legislature, no budget shall be modified
except in accordance with paragraph 6

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of this Act. Continuing Resolutions may modify previously adopted Continuing Resolutions
applicable to the same fiscal year.
i.
The Legislature reserves the power to review action taken by the Executive Branch,
Judicial Branch and General Council Branch during implementation of the fiscal year budget
approved by the Legislature. The Legislature shall conduct periodic review of all budgets to
determine whether funds are being expended according to the annual budget adopted by the
Legislature. Such review may include random reviews of enterprise or departmental budgets.
The Legislative Finance Commission may also exercise this authority, as a delegation from the
Legislature.
j.
When one or more of the Nation’s gaming enterprises have been closed due to a
Declaration of Emergency by the President or Legislature, all budgets are subject to review as
follows:
(1) Upon the cl o s i n g a nd re-opening of a gaming enterprise, the Legislature,
or Legislative Finance Commission, will review all budgets on a monthly basis for the first
six (6) months. If a gaming enterprise closes again during the six (months) following a reopening, the budgets will be subject to a new six (6) month review period based upon reopening. The Legislature may determine that continued review during the six (6) months is
unnecessary and move to the timeline set forth in paragraph 5.j(2) of this Act.
(2) After the initial six (6) months of review of all budgets, the Legislature, or
Legislative Finance Commission, will review the budgets on a quarterly basis during the
remainder of the fiscal year.
The purpose of the six (6) month and quarterly budget review described in above paragraphs
5.j (1) and (2) is to determine if the Nation’s branches and gaming enterprises will meet budget and
performance projections in the unique circumstances where a Declaration of Emergency has been
issued by the President or the Legislature. In the circumstances described in above paragraphs
5.j (1) and (2), all budgets are subject to modification, and revised appropriation, if:
circumstances require continued closure of one or more of the Nation’s gaming enterprises, or one
or more of the gaming enterprises will not be able to meet or exceed budget and performance
projections. The Legislature or Legislative Finance Commission are authorized to request
information from the Treasurer, branches of government, Departments, and gaming enterprises
in order to carry out the review set forth herein.
6.

Budget Modifications.

a.
Once an appropriations bill is adopted by the Legislature for a given fiscal year, no
budget shall be modified except in accordance with the provisions stated herein. There shall be no
true increases to a budget, except in emergency circumstances when it has been considered by the
Legislative Finance Commission and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.
b.
The following budget modification exclusions are specifically prohibited, unless a
budget modification for one of the following is presented to and approved by the Finance
Commission:
(1)
(2)

The modification does not reduce any revenue line item.
The modification does not reduce any cost of goods sold line item.

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(3)
The modification does not reduce any program expense line item within
Lawson Account Code 67, as promulgated in the Finance Ordinance.
(4)

The modification does not affect any capital expense line item.

(5)

The modification does not reduce depreciation or indirect cost expense line

item.
(6)
The executive branch or enterprise's total appropriated budget does not
increase or decrease as result of the modification.
(7)
The executive department or enterprise’s proposed modification does not
reduce funds in an employee payroll, insurance benefits, and tax line items in order to
increase an amount in a non-payroll or non-benefit line item unless approved by the
Finance Commission; provided, this does not prohibit a modification to move funds between
payroll, benefit and/or tax line items.
c. During the last quarter of the fiscal year, all budget modifications shall be presented to
and approved by the Finance Commission.
d.

Executive Branch.

(1) The Executive Branch may perform budget modifications as a means to control Executive Branch
and Enterprise spending. Any budget modifications will be detailed as to line item supported with
proper documentation and subject to periodic review from the Legislative Finance Commission.

(a) Any proposed minor budget modification for an Executive Branch
department, program, or enterprise must be submitted for review and approval
through the respective Executive Director to the President. Review by the
Treasurer may be required as well pursuant to Budget Modification standard
operating procedures developed by Treasury.
(b) No such budget modification shall reduce funds in a payroll wage, tax or
benefits line item in order to increase an amount in a non-payroll or non-benefit
line item unless approved by the Finance Commission; provided, this does not
prohibit a modification to move funds between payroll, tax and/or benefits line
items. Any modifications of this nature will be identified and reported by the
Treasurer to the Finance Commission immediately and the Treasurer will include an
analysis of the impact of this restriction in such report.

e.

Judiciary Branch.

(1)
The Judicial Branch may perform budget modifications as a means to
control spending and preserve the appropriated budget. Any budget modifications will be
detailed as to line item and subject to periodic review from the Legislative Finance
Commission.
(a)
Any proposed budget for the Judiciary Branch may be approved by
the Chief Trial Judge. Review by the Chief Justice may be required as well
pursuant to Budget Modification standard operating procedures developed by

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Treasury and the Judiciary Branch.
(b)
No such budget modification shall reduce funds in a payroll wage,
tax or benefits line item in order to increase an amount in a non-payroll or nonbenefit line item unless approved by the Finance Commission; provided, this does
not prohibit a modification to move funds between payroll, tax and/or benefits
line items. Any modifications of this nature will be identified and reported by the
Treasurer to the Finance Commission immediately and the Treasurer will include an
analysis of the impact of this restriction in such report.
f.

General Council.

(1)
The Office of General Council may perform budget modifications as a
means to control spending and preserve the appropriated budget. Any budget
modifications will be detailed as to line item and subject to periodic review from the
Legislative Finance Commission.
Any proposed budget modification for the General Council Branch shall be approved by the Finance
Commission.

g.

Legislature.

(1)
The Legislature may perform budget modifications as a means to control
spending and preserve the appropriated budget. Any budget modifications will be detailed
as to the line item and subject to periodic review from the Legislative Finance
Commission.
(a)
Any proposed budget modification for the Legislative Branch may
be approved by the Vice President. Review by the Finance Chair and/or Budget
Analyst may be required pursuant to Budget Modification standard operating
procedures developed by the Legislative Branch.
(b)
No such budget modification shall reduce funds in a payroll wage,
tax or benefits line item in order to increase an amount in a non-payroll or nonbenefit line item unless approved by the Finance Commission; provided, this does
not prohibit a modification to move funds between payroll, tax and/or benefits
line items. Any modifications of this nature will be identified and reported by the
Treasurer to the Finance Commission immediately and the Treasurer will include an
analysis of the impact of this restriction in such report.
h.

State of Emergency.

(1)
When the President or Legislature declares a state of emergency, and any
Ho-Chunk Nation Class II or Class III gaming operations close for business, the process for
budget modifications set forth in this Section will require that all proposed modifications
be submitted to the Legislative Finance Commission for consideration; provided, however,
that such budget modifications will go to the Legislature if the Finance Commission is
unable to meet for any reason. The duration of this emergency budget modification
procedure will last no longer than the state of emergency declared by the President or
Legislature and when the gaming operations have reopened, but it may revert back to the

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process set forth above as determined by the Legislature.
(2)
All budgets may be modified by action of the Legislature or Legislative
Finance Commission, pursuant to paragraph 5.j above.
7.

Fiscal Accounting.
a.

Unexpended Funds & Deficit Report.

(1)
Notwithstanding any provision of this or any other Act or law, it shall be
the duty of the Treasurer to:
(a)
Identify and isolate any unused (unexpended) funds from the
previous fiscal year.
(b)
Determine any unused (unexpended) funds remaining from any
prior fiscal year and monitor unused funds remaining from any previous fiscal
quarter.
(2)
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Nation’s Single Audit, the Treasurer
shall submit an Unexpended Funds and Deficits Report to the Legislature based upon the
audited Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance report within
the Single Audit report and items c, and d, within this section to identify any unexpended
funds and deficits.
(3)
Within 30 days following the end of each quarter, the Treasurer shall submit
a Quarterly Cash Flow Analysis.
(4)
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Treasurer’s Unexpended Funds
Deficits Report or Quarterly Cash Flow Analysis at a duly called Legislative meeting, the
Legislature may appropriate any excess funds identified under this section for purposes that
further the general welfare of the Nation’s tribal members or the Nation’s financial position,
assets or infrastructure, including but not limited to, land, emergency reserves funds, capital
projects or debt service.
b.
Capital Projects. The Legislature shall designate by Resolution, Capital Projects
that are to be budgeted on a project basis. These Capital Projects shall be tracked in distinct capital
project funds, separate from the General Fund, and budgeted based on the life of the project.
Unexpended Capital Project budgets at the end of the fiscal year will be carried into the next fiscal
year until the project is completed or terminated by Legislative action and closed by Resolution.
Capital Project budgets can be modified by Resolution for true increases or decreases to the project.
c.
Home Ownership Program. Monies budgeted for Home Ownership Program
expenses that are contractually obligated shall be identified and approved by Legislative resolution
within sixty (60) days of fiscal year end. The expense commitments in this subsection include
approved contracts for down payments, new construction, existing home purchase, refinancing,
land, site development/improvements, utility extensions, and architect, engineering fees and Elder
grants programs. This budgeting process will carryover committed budget monies to the next fiscal
year to enable completion/purchase of homes for tribal members.

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d.
Memorial Relief Burial Fund. Notwithstanding any provision of this or any other
Act, disbursements properly payable out of line items for the Nation’s Burial Funds to include the
Memorial Relief Fund, Benevolence Fund and Burial Grants Fund, may be paid even if the
appropriated funds for that line item have been previously exhausted during the fiscal year due to
usage beyond the budgeted estimate. Any payments in excess of the budgeted amount of the Burial
Funds shall be funded from the General Fund pending the year-end adjustment described in the
following sentence. The Treasury will offset any such deficit against the amount of unused funds
identified in its report for a fiscal year prepared in accordance with paragraphs a(1) and a(2), above,
and restore such deficits to the General Fund.
e.
Monthly Financial Report. Department of Treasury shall prepare monthly financial
reports for review by the Legislature. The Monthly Financial Report shall be provided to the
Legislature not later than the 15th of the month following the close of the previous month. The
Treasurer or designee shall attend all Finance Commission meetings to explain the Monthly
Financial Report, answer questions concerning the monthly financial report, and provide
supplemental information as required.
(1)
The Monthly Financial Report shall consist of the following monthly
financial statements:
(a)

Monthly Financial Statements and Schedules.

(b)

Monthly Comparative Statements.

(c)

Monthly Cash Flow Analysis.

(2)
Upon release of this financial information to the Legislature, members of
the Legislature may release the Monthly Financial Report to Tribal members.
8.
Release of Financial Data. Financial information of the Nation shall be considered
confidential and privileged. Only financial data as explicitly provided for by this Act, or those
financial reports expressly approved for release as a matter of law, including the Discovery Act,
by Resolution, motion, or contract shall be released. Financial information of the Nation shall not
be divulged to anyone other than persons who have a right to know, or are authorized to receive
such information:
a.
Release of Financial data/information to Tribal Members. Financial
data/information provided to Tribal Members at District/Area Meetings shall be clearly marked
For Tribal Use Only and not for further release. Upon release of this financial information to the
Legislature, Legislators may release the Monthly Financial Report to Tribal Members.
b.
Treasurer. The Treasurer, from time to time, may be requested to produce a fiscal
analysis or provide fiscal reports, which contain such information that the Legislature desires to
limit and control access. Exceptions to this policy may only be authorized by written directive
from the Legislature, President or General Council.
c.
Officials and Employees of the Nation. Financial information of the Nation shall
not be divulged to anyone other than persons who have a right to know, or are authorized to receive
such information. The safeguarding and protection of this confidential information shall be
considered a condition of employment with the Nation and applicable employment law shall apply.

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9.
Enforcement and Penalties. The penalties assigned the violations herein are mandatory
and in addition to discipline administered under the Nation's employment law.
a.

Enforcement and Imposition of Penalties.
(1)

Executive Branch and Enterprises.

(a)
Violations of this Act by the President shall be deemed a violation
of fiduciary responsibility and subject that official to sanctions under the Nation's
Code of Ethics Act (2 HCC § 1).
(b)
The President shall enforce the provisions of this Act within the
Executive Branch and enterprises and impose the penalties provided by paragraph
b, below.
(2)

Judiciary Branch.

(a)
Violations of this Act by the Chief Justice or an Associate Justice of
the Supreme Court or the Chief Judge or an Associate Judge of the Trial Court shall
be deemed a violation of fiduciary responsibility and subject that official to
sanctions under the Nation's Code of Ethics Act (2 HCC § 1).
(b)
The Chief Justice for Supreme Court employees and the Chief Trial
Judge for Trial Court employees shall enforce the provisions of this Act and impose
the penalties provided by paragraph b, below.
(3)

General Council Branch.

(a)
Violations of this Act by the Chairperson of General Council
Agency, any presiding officer of General Council, contract employees shall be
deemed a violation of fiduciary responsibility and subject that official to sanctions
under the Nation's Code of Ethics Act (2 HCC § 1).
(b)
The presiding officer of General Council and the Chairperson of
General Council Agency shall enforce provisions of this Act for employees and
impose the penalties provided by paragraph b, below.
(4)

Legislative Branch.

(a)
Violations of this Act by a Legislator shall be deemed a violation of
fiduciary responsibility and subject that official to sanctions under the Nation's
Code of Ethics Act (2 HCC § 1).
(b)
The Vice President shall enforce the provisions of this Act for
employees within the Legislative Branch and impose the penalties provided by
paragraph b, below.

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b.

Penalties.

(1)
Executive Directors and Enterprise General Managers and their subordinate
supervisors having responsibility for formulation and execution of a budget shall be subject to
the following penalties for violations of this Act.
(a)
For a first violation of this Act the individual shall be placed on
probation and shall for procedural violations be required to take correction action
within thirty (30) days of the notice of the violation and probation.
(b) If the violation has not been corrected within thirty (30) days or if there
is a subsequent violation of this Act within ninety (90) days, the individual shall be
terminated from that position.
(2)
Employees of the government and enterprises other than those identified in
paragraph (1), above, shall be subject to discipline, to include termination, as provided by
the Nation's employment law.
c.

Prosecution by the Attorney General.

(1)
As legal counsel for the Nation, the Department of Justice shall prosecute
all violations of this Act promptly whenever:
(a)
On the basis of any information available to him or her, including
receipt of information from any person, the Attorney General has reason to believe
that any person is in violation of any provision of this Act and the appropriate
official has not the required disciplinary action; or
(b) The Chair of the Finance Commission requests prosecution after the
Commission has conducted a preliminary inquiry and has reason to believe a
violation of this Act has occurred and the required disciplinary action has not been
taken.
(2)
discretion.

The Attorney General or his/her designee shall not exercise prosecutorial

(3)
The Attorney General shall make an initial determination as to whether a
conflict of interests exists in his or her prosecution of violations of this Act, in writing to
the Legislature, within ten (10) days after receiving information on an alleged violation as
provided in paragraph c(1), above.
(4)
Should the Legislature agree with the Attorney General that a conflict of
interests exists, it may appoint special counsel for the purpose of prosecuting any violation
of this Act. Any funds appropriated for special counsel shall be paid out of the Department
of Justice annual budget.
d.

Additional Sanctions by the Trial Court.

Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature
Appropriations and Budget Process Act
Page 14 of 15

(1)
Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this Act or failing to
take appropriate disciplinary action for a subordinate's violation of this Act may be fined
up to $300.00 for each violation.
(2)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Trial Court is hereby
granted authority to order injunctive or declaratory relief against any person who violates
any provision of this Act.
(3)
It shall be a criminal offense, which may be punishable by up to ninety (90)
days in jail for any person who fails to comply with any order of the Trial Court issued
pursuant to this Act.
(4)
All Court proceedings commenced under this Act shall occur on an
expedited basis.
10. Sovereign Immunity.
a.
In accordance with Article XII of the Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the
Legislature hereby expressly waives the sovereign immunity of the Nation for the purposes of
securing any right or punishing any offense under this Act.
b.
In accordance with paragraph a, above, the Legislature hereby declares that any
person violating any provision of this Act is acting beyond the scope of their duties or authority
and is therefore to be held personally liable for violations of this Act.
11.
Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Act in the future be declared invalid by
the Judiciary, the invalid provision or provisions shall be severed and the remaining provisions
shall continue in full force and effect.
Legislative History:
07/02/96
07/16/96
07/23/96
12/05/96
12/17/96
02/15/97
11/13/97
06/10/98
06/23/98
05/04/99
04/11/00
06/06/00
06/22/00
09/26/00
01/09/01
01/16/01
02/13/01
02/20/01
03/06/01

Introduced by Rep. T. Thundercloud to Legislature and tabled.
Tabled by Legislature.
Adopted by Legislature.
Amendment to Section 301 referred to Legislature.
Amendment to Section 301 adopted by Legislature.
Amendments to Sections 305, 306, and 309 adopted by Legislature.
Amendment to Section 309 adopted by Legislature.
Legislature adopts Resolution 06/23/98A to add Section 504, Capital Projects Budget
Fiscal Year Carryover.
Legislature adopts Resolution 06/23/98C to add Section 505, Home Ownership Program
Budget Fiscal Year Carryover.
Legislature adopts Resolution 05/04/99A to add Section 409 setting limits for the
submission of requests to modify the budget.
Legislature adopts Resolution 04/11/00E to add Section 410, Memorial Relief Burial Fund
Legislature adopts Resolution 06/06/00B amending Section 409
HCC 96-002 restated and superseded by 2 HCC § 4 (2000) (Appropriations and Budget
Process Act) enacted Legislative Resolution 06/22/00F.
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 09/26/00E
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 01/09/01A amending paragraph 7.e.
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 01/16/01C amending paragraph 7.a.
Amended by Legislative Resolution 02/13/01F amending Sections 301-303.
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 02/20/01B deleting paragraph 6.d.
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 03/6/01F amending paragraphs 6.d and
6.f.

Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature
Appropriations and Budget Process Act
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03/20/01
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 03/20/01A amending paragraphs 5.a and
5.b. and correcting Legislative Resolution 02/13/01F.
12/18/01
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 12/18/01A amending paragraphs
5a(1)(b), deleting paragraph 5b, amending paragraph 5c, amending paragraph 7e, and
adding a new paragraph 8 (Release of Financial Data).
03/03/04
Legislature places amending draft out for 45-Day Public Review.
05/04/04
Amended and Restated by Legislative Resolution 05/4/04D adding procedures for minor
budget modification and amending enforcement and penalties.
12/7/10
Legislature adopts Resolution 12/07/10R, placing draft amendments to incorporate the
General Council Branch out for 45-Day Public Review; said review period to begin on the
first day the draft is placed on the Ho-Chunk Nation’s website.
05/03/11
Legislature adopts Resolution 05/03/11D that amends the Act to include the General
Council.
03/20/14
Legislature places the Appropriations and Budget Process Act out for forty-five (45) day
public comment.
11/04/14
Legislature adopted amendments to the Appropriation and Budget Process Act (2 HCC §
4) resolution 11/04/14X.
02/03/15
02/04/15
02/17/15

03/03/15
04/07/20

5/27/20

6/23/20

12/29/20
01/26/22

03/08/22
06.07.22

Legislature adopted Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act (2 HCC § 4) by Legislative Resolution 2-03-15G.
the Quick Passage amendments adopted by Resolution 2-03-15G are vetoed by the
President pursuant to Article VI, Section 2(a).
Legislature votes to override Presidential Veto of the Quick Passage amendments set forth
in Resolution 2-03-15G. Article V, Section 2(y) requires a 2/3 supermajority vote to
override a veto. Upon a vote taken, there was not a 2/3 supermajority in support of
override. Therefore, the veto remained in place. See Defeated Resolution 2-17-15J.
Legislature adopted Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriation and Budget Process
Act (2 HCC § 4) by Legislative Resolution 03/03/15I. The President did not issue a veto.
Legislature adopted Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act (2 HCC § 4) by Legislative Resolution 04/07/20D. Amended Paragraph 6, adding
subsection e, addressing the process for budget modifications during a State of Emergency.
Legislature adopts Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act, by approval of Resolution 5-27-20A. Amended Paragraph 5, allowing the Legislature
and Legislative Finance Committee to conduct monthly budget reviews of gaming
enterprises when they have been closed due to a State of Emergency. Such budgets are
subject to modification and revised appropriation. Amendments to Paragraph 6 address
Budget Modifications, specifically allowing modifications to Gaming Enterprise budgets
and changing a reference from the General Council Agency to the Office of General
Council.
Legislature adopts Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act, by approval of Resolution 6-23-20A. Amended Paragraph 5.f and 5.g of the Act, to
address Continuing Resolutions as a part of the annual budget approved by the Legislature.
Note: The President vetoed Resolution 6-23-20A on June 26, 2020, pursuant to Article VI,
Section 2(a) of the Constitution. In response, the Legislature adopted Resolution 7-0720C, which overturned the President’s veto under Article V, Section 2(y) of the
Constitution. As a result, the Quick Passage amendment is valid and enacted.
Legislature adopts Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act, by approval of Resolution 12-29-20E. Amended Paragraph 6 regarding true increases.
Legislature adopts Quick Passage amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process
Act, by approval of Resolution 01-26-22F. Amendments to reference Finance Commission
and deleting reference to the Audit Law, which was repealed by Resolution 09-07-16G.
Legislature adopts amendments to the Appropriations and Budget Process Act, by approval
of Resolution 03-08-22E.
Legislature adopts Quick Passage amendments by approval of Resolution 06-07-22H.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aho-chunk%3Aaf9010b012980c42. Public record. Not legal advice.