Phone: (920)869-2214

Oneida Nation

Post Office Box 365

Phone: (920)869-2214

Oneida, WI 54155

BC Resolution # 07-08-26-B

Elder Protection Law

WHEREAS,

the Oneida Nation is a federally recognized Indian government and a treaty tribe

recognized by the laws of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS,

the Oneida General Tribal Council is the governing body of the Oneida Nation; and

WHEREAS,

the Oneida Business Committee has been delegated the authority of Article IV, Section 1,

of the Oneida Tribal Constitution by the Oneida General Tribal Council; and

WHEREAS,

the purpose of the Elder Protection Law (the Law) is to uphold the Nation’s responsibility

to honor and protect its Elders. This law establishes a comprehensive framework to

prevent, identify, report, investigate, and respond to elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and

financial exploitation and affirms the Nation’s cultural responsibility to honor, respect, and

preserve elder wellbeing; and

WHEREAS,

the Law establishes a comprehensive framework to prevent, identify, report, investigate,

and respond to elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation; and

WHEREAS,

the Law establishes an Interdisciplinary Team composed of multiple Nation departments

to coordinate case review, guide investigations, recommend actions, promote

cooperation, and identify resources; and

WHEREAS,

the Law provides investigation procedures requirements including that they must begin

promptly and include required steps such as:

 Visiting the elder’s residence;

 Observing the elder;

 Conducting interviews;

 Reviewing healthcare and financial records;

 Interviewing guardians/caregivers;

 Requesting law-enforcement assistance;

 Offering or arranging needed services; and

WHEREAS,

the Law establishes a duty to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The

law requires any person with knowledge or reasonable suspicion of abuse,

neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of an elder to report immediately to Aging & Disability

Services or the Oneida Police Department; and

BC Resolution # 07-08-26-B

Elder Protection Law

Page 2 of 2

WHEREAS,

the Law creates a broad class of mandated reporters, including family, caretakers, elected

officials, employees, healthcare workers, mental health professionals, social workers, law

enforcement, judicial staff, and fiduciaries.

 Good-faith reporters receive immunity.

 Non-mandated reporters may remain anonymous; and

WHEREAS,

the Law establishes civil penalties:

 A mandated reporter who fails to report may be fined up to $2,000.

 Anyone who knowingly files a false report may be fined up to $2,000.

 Anyone who interferes with an investigation or retaliates against a reporter may

be fined up to $2,000 per occurrence; and

WHEREAS,

the Law protects confidentiality and records. Departmental report forms and investigative

records are confidential and may only be disclosed under limited circumstances, such as

to the elder, suspect, service providers, law enforcement, auditors, and through court

order; and

WHEREAS,

the Legislative Operating Committee developed the proposed through collaboration with

representatives from Aging and Disability, Comprehensive Health, Oneida Law Office,

Oneida Police Department, Oneida Commission on Aging, CEO; and

WHEREAS,

in accordance with the Legislative Procedures Act a legislative analysis and fiscal impact

statement were completed for the proposed Elder Protection Law; and

WHEREAS,

the Legislative Operating Committee held a public meeting on the proposed Elder

Protection Law on April 16, 2025. Four (4) individuals provided public comments during

this public meeting. The public comment period was then held open until April 23, 2026.

Three (3) individuals provided written comments during the public comment period; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Oneida Business Committee hereby adopts the amendments

to the Elder Protection Law, which shall become effective on August 03, 2026.

CERTIFICATION

I, the undersigned, as Secretary of the Oneida Business Committee, hereby certify that the Oneida

Business Committee is composed of 9 members of whom 5 members constitute a quorum; 6 members

were present at a meeting duly called, noticed and held on the 8th day of July, 2026; that the forgoing

resolution was duly adopted at such meeting by a vote of 5 members for, 0 members against, and 0

members not voting*; and that said resolution has not been rescinded or amended in any way.

____________________________

Lisa Liggins, Secretary

Oneida Business Committee

*According to the By-Laws, Article I, Section 1, the Chair votes "only in the case of a tie."