Oneida Business Committee (2025)
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
1 of 51
Oneida Nation
~
Oneida Business Committee
Legislative Operating Committee
000000
PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155‐0365
ONEIDA
Oneida‐nsn.gov
LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Business Committee Conference Room - 2nd Floor Norbert Hill Center
March 5, 2025
9:00 a.m.
I.
Call to Order and Approval of the Agenda
II.
Minutes to be Approved
1. February 19, 2025 LOC Meeting Minutes (pg. 2)
III.
Current Business
1. Sanctions and Penalties Law (pg. 4)
IV.
New Submissions
1. Oneida General Welfare Law Amendments (pg. 48)
V.
Additions
VI.
Administrative Updates
VII.
Executive Session
VIII. Recess/Adjourn
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
2 of 51
Oneida Nation
~
Oneida Business Committee
Legislative Operating Committee
OODDDO
PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155‐0365
ONEIDA
Oneida‐nsn.gov
LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Oneida Business Committee Conference Room-2nd Floor Norbert Hill Center
February 19, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Present: Jameson Wilson, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Marlon Skenandore
Excused: Jonas Hill
Others Present: Clorissa N. Leeman, Grace Elliott, Carolyn Salutz
Others Present on Microsoft Teams: Debra Powless, Diane Wilson, Eric Boulanger, Kristal Hill,
Michelle Braaten, Nicole Rommel, Peggy Helm-Quest, Fawn Billie, Rae Skenandore, Kaylynn
Gresham, Barbara Webster, Justin Nishimoto, Tavia James-Charles, Janice Decorah, Fawn Cottrell,
Jason Martinez, Rhiannon Metoxen, Lisa Liggins.
I.
Call to Order and Approval of the Agenda
Jameson Wilson called the February 19, 2025, Legislative Operating Committee meeting
to order at 9:00 a.m.
Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the agenda; seconded by Marlon Skenandore.
Motion carried unanimously.
II.
Minutes to be Approved
1. February 5, 2025 LOC Meeting Minutes
Motion by Kirby Metoxen to approve the February 5, 2025 LOC meeting minutes and
forward to the Oneida Business Committee; seconded by Jennifer Webster. Motion carried
unanimously.
III.
Current Business
IV.
New Submissions
1. Election Law Amendments
Motion by Marlon Skenandore to add the Election law amendments to the Active Files List
with Jonas Hill as the sponsor; seconded by Jennifer Webster. Motion carried unanimously.
V.
Additions
~
GOOOQO;
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Legislative Operating Committee Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2025
Page 1 of 2
ONEIDA
3 of 51
VI.
Administrative Updates
1. Certification of Real Property Law Rule No. 3 – Easements
Motion by Jennifer Webster to certify the Real Property Law Rule No. 3 - Easements and
forward to the Oneida Business Committee for consideration; seconded by Marlon
Skenandore Motion carried unanimously.
VII.
Executive Session
VIII. Adjourn
Motion by Jennifer Webster to adjourn at 9:11 a.m.; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion
carried unanimously.
Legislative Operating Committee Meeting Minutes of February19, 2025
Page 2 of 2
4 of 51
~
Oneida Nation
Oneida Business Committee
Legislative Operating Committee
000000
PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155‐0365
ONEIDA
Oneida‐nsn.gov
Legislative Operating Committee
March 5, 2025
Sanctions and Penalties Law
Submission Date: 10/15/14
LOC Sponsor: Jennifer Webster
Public Meeting: 10/4/18, 1/7/20
Emergency Enacted: n/a
Summary: This item has been carried over from the last three (3) terms. The original proposal was
to develop a new law which provides a consistent process for how members of the Oneida Business
Committee and other boards, committees and commissions face sanctions for misconduct. This law
would provide a process for complaints to be filed with the Judiciary against an elected member of a
board, committee, or commission of the Nation – including the Oneida Business Committee.
The development of a Sanctions and Penalties law was also addressed as a referendum. During the
Special Election held on July 9, 2016, the Nation's voting membership was asked to consider a
referendum question of "Should the BC develop a law which provides for sanctions and due process for
elected officials?" This referendum question was approved by a vote of one hundred and seventy-eight
(178) to fifty-nine (59), requiring this topic to come before the GTC for consideration and discussion.
On March 17, 2019, the Sanctions and Penalties law was presented to the General Tribal Council for
consideration. The General Tribal Council adopted a motion to defer this item for at least sixty (60) days
for GTC to have additional time to consider it and have input. As a result of General Tribal Council’s
directive, the LOC held six (6) additional community outreach events – in various locations around the
Reservation as well as in Milwaukee. The LOC intended to include this item on the July 2020 SemiAnnual General Tribal Council meeting agenda before all General Tribal Council meetings were
canceled due to COVID-19.
10/15/14 LOC: Motion by Tehassi Hill to add the OBC Sanctions Policy to the Active Files List; seconded
by Jennifer Webster. Motion carried unanimously.
11/5/14 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to forward the BC Sanctions and Penalties to an LOC work
meeting, with invitations to be sent to the rest of the Oneida Business Committee; seconded
by Fawn Billie. Motion carried unanimously.
1/15/15:
Work meeting held. Attendees include: Candice Skenandore, Danelle Wilson, Tani Thurner,
Fawn Billie, Fawn Cottrell, Jennifer Webster, RC Metoxen, Brandon Stevens, Tehassi Hill,
Jacob Metoxen, Melinda Danforth.
10/19/16:
Quarterly Sponsor Update Meeting. Present: Brandon Stevens, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa
Santiago, Maureen Perkins, and Tani Thurner. Tehassi wants to meet with LOC Chair to
discuss how this item relates to the Code of Ethics. That meeting is scheduled for 11/10/16.
11/10/16:
Work Meeting held. Present: Tehassi Hill, Tani Thurner, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Stevens,
Jennifer Falck. Group agreed that we need a work meeting to discuss; Sanctions & Penalties,
Comprehensive Policy, Removal Law(s), and Code of Ethics.
Page 1 of 12
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
5 of 51
11/29/16:
Work Meeting held. Present: Fawn Billie, Brandon Stevens, Clorissa Santiago, Tehassi Hill,
Tani Thurner, Jenny Webster, David Jordan, Jo Anne House, Candice Skenandore, Lisa
Liggins, Jen Falck. Meeting was facilitated by Jessica Wallenfang. This was a facilitated
meeting designed to discuss; Sanctions & Penalties, Removal, Code of Ethics, and
Comprehensive Policy simultaneously. The group reviewed each law or draft for similarities,
and discussed shared elements. The group asked that 1) the LRO complete that work, 2) then
check with Jenny Webster as the sponsor of Comprehensive Policy, and 3) schedule another
work meeting.
2/15/17 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to upgrade the Domestic Animals Ordinance Amendments, the
Children’s Code, Code of Ethics Amendments, and the Sanctions and Penalties Law from
medium priority to high priority; seconded by Tehassi Hill. Motion carried unanimously.
2/17/17:
Work meeting held. Attendees include Fawn Billie, Jennifer Falck, Leyene Orosco, Brandon
Stevens, Tani Thurner, Jennifer Webster, Tehassi Hill, Candice Skenandore, Cathy
Bachhuber
5/2/17:
Work meeting held. Attendees include Fawn Billie, Jennifer Falck, Brandon Stevens, Tani
Thurner, Jennifer Webster, Tehassi Hill, David P. Jordan, Danelle Wilson, Jo Anne House
5/5/17:
Work meeting held. Attendees include Jennifer Webster, Jennifer Falck, and Tani Thurner.
6/7/17 LOC:
Motion by Fawn Billie to forward the Sanctions and Penalties Law to the Legislative
Reference Office for a legislative analysis to be brought back for the July 5, 2017 LOC
meeting; seconded by David P. Jordan. Motion carried unanimously.
7/7/17:
Work meeting held. Present: Steve Webster, Tani Thurner, Jen Falck, Candice Skenandore
7/19/17 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the memo regarding the Sanctions & Penalties
Legislative Analysis and direct the LRO to bring the analysis back when it’s complete;
seconded by David P. Jordan. Motion carried unanimously.
Note: it is the recommendation of the Legislative Operating Committee that when this item is
presented to the Business Committee, that the Business Committee then present this item to
General Tribal Council.
7/26/17 OBC: Motion by Tehassi Hill to accept the legal opinion regarding development of a law which
provides for sanctions and due process for elected officials, seconded by Brandon Stevens.
Motion carried unanimously.
9/6/17 LOC:
Motion by Ernest Stevens III to add Sanctions and Penalties Law to the active files list with
Jennifer Webster as the sponsor; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried
unanimously.
9/6/17:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jenny Webster Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck,
Clorissa Santiago, Candice Skenandore, Maureen Perkins, Tani Thurner. Drafting attorney
provided an update on the status of the Sanctions and Penalties law. Next steps will be: 1)
pull the current draft back, 2) hold community meetings to understand what
sanctions/penalties the community is interested in, 3) meeting with the
boards/committees/commissions for input, and 4) holding work meeting with LOC to make
policy decisions and choose next steps.
11/1/17 LOC: Motion by Kirby Metoxen to approve the 60 day active files list update and continue
development of all the items on the active files list; seconded by Ernie Stevens III. Motion
carried unanimously.
11/1/17:
Work Meeting. Present: Carol Silva, Bonnie Pigman, Ed Delgado, Rachel Hill, Matthew
Denny, Reynold Danforth, Kirby Metoxen, Rosa Laster, Clorissa Santiago, Candice
Skenandore, Maureen Perkins, Jennifer Falck. Representatives from all the B/C/C’s were
invited to this meeting to provide input on what a Sanctions & Penalties Law might look like.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 2 of 12
~
ONEIDA
6 of 51
12/6/17:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens
III, Daniel Guzman King, Clorissa Santiago, Jennifer Falck. The LOC reviewed and
considered comments from the November 1, 2017, work meeting with boards, committees,
and commissions. LOC began making policy decisions. Drafter will work on draft, and policy
options, and bring materials back to LOC when ready.
3/9/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Clorissa
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Rosa Laster, Laura Laitinen-Warren. LOC reviewed the first
draft of the law, and directed that the LRO schedule a community meeting, with a special
invitation to members of boards, committees, and commissions, to discuss the proposed law.
3/16/18:
Work Meeting: Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman, Ernest Stevens
III, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Cathy Bachhuber, Rosa Laster. The LOC reviewed
the potential date for the community meeting, and directed the drafting attorney to schedule
the community meeting for May 3, 2018, and to ensure the notice is published in the
Kalihwisaks twice, an appointment is sent to all members of the LOC and boards,
committees, and commissions, and that the Communications Department is included in the
appointment so they can make efforts to communicate notice of the event.
4/2/18 LOC:
Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the draft of the Sanctions and Penalties law and direct
that a community meeting/potluck be held on May 3, 2018; seconded by Daniel Guzman
King. Motion carried unanimously.
4/26/18:
Work Meeting: Present: Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck. This was an
LRO prep meeting to prepare a plan for the upcoming community meeting.
4/27/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel Guzman
King, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Rosa Laster, Cathy Bachhuber,
Tani Thurner. The purpose of this work meeting was to prepare for the upcoming community
meeting.
5/2/18:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck, David P.
Jordan, Jennifer Webster. The LOC continued to prepare and discuss the upcoming
community meeting.
5/3/18:
Community Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest
Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Maureen Perkins, Carol
Silva, Chad Wilson, Janice McLester, Gina Buenrostro, Winnifred Thomas, Brooke Doxtator,
Ed Delgado, Oyanolu Adams, Michelle Braaten, Mark Powless, Cathy L. Metoxen, Carole
Liggins, Madelyn Genskow. The purpose of this community meeting was to gain input on the
proposed Sanctions and Penalties law.
5/11/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens
III, Daniel Guzman, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck. The purpose of
this work meeting was to review the comments received during the community meeting, and
to determine if any revisions should be made to the law. The drafting attorney will update the
draft of the law based on this discussion.
5/16/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman King, Kirby
Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Laura
Laitinen-Warren. The purpose of this work meeting was to review and discuss the revisions
to the draft made based on comments collected from the community meeting. Drafting
attorney will update the draft.
6/6/18/ LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the draft of the Sanctions and Penalties law and direct
that a legislative analysis be completed; seconded by Ernest Stevens III. Motion carried
unanimously.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 3 of 12
~
ONEIDA
7 of 51
7/9/18:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Brooke Doxtator. The purpose
of this work meeting was to review the BCSO’s involvement in the Sanctions and Penalties
law to ensure their role can be implemented as required by law.
7/18/18 LOC: Motion by Kirby Metoxen to accept the legislative analysis for the Sanctions and Penalties
Law and defer to a work meeting; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried
unanimously.
8/1/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens
III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker. The purpose of this
work meeting was to review and consider the legislative analysis.
8/15/18 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the public meeting packet and forward the Sanctions
and Penalties Law to a public meeting to be held on September 20, 2018; seconded by Kirby
Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.
Subsequent Motion by Jennifer Webster to forward the Sanctions & Penalties Law to the
Finance Office for a fiscal analysis to be completed; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion
carried unanimously.
9/10/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker, Cathy Bachhuber, Maureen Perkins. The
purpose of this work meeting was to discuss the fact that the September 20, 2018 public
meeting on the proposed law will have to be canceled due to the Kalihwisaks failing to
publish the public meeting notice in the September 6, 2018, edition. The LOC determined the
next steps for moving the public meeting forward – an e-poll of an updated public meeting
notice will be completed and the appointment that was sent out changed to reflect the new
date.
E-poll conducted.
9/19/18 LOC: Motion by Daniel Guzman King to enter the e-poll results into the record; seconded by
Jennifer Webster. Motion carried unanimously.
10/4/18:
Public Meeting Held.
10/17/18 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the public meeting memo comments and public
meeting comment review memorandum and defer to a work meeting; seconded by Daniel
Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
10/17/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman, Ernest Stevens
III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker, Rosa Laster.
The purpose of this work meeting was for the LOC to begin reviewing and considering the
public comments that were received, and to make determinations on what revisions to the
Law are necessary.
10/25/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens
III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker. The purpose of
this work meeting was for the LOC to continue reviewing and considering the public
comments that were received, and to make determinations on what revisions to the Law are
necessary. LRO will update the draft for the next LOC packet so a fiscal analysis can be
requested.
11/7/18 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the public comment review memorandum and the
updated draft; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
11/30/18:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Daniel Guzman,
Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work meeting was to review
and approve the fiscal impact statement request memorandum to the Finance Department,
and begin discussing a plan for the completion of this item.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 4 of 12
~
ONEIDA
8 of 51
12/5/18 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to accept the updated legislative analysis, including the
replacement of page 159 in the packet; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried
unanimously.
Motion by Kirby Metoxen to approve the fiscal impact statement memorandum and forward
to the Finance Department directing that a fiscal impact statement of the proposed Sanctions
and Penalties law be prepared for inclusion on the January 2, 2019 Legislative Operating
Committee meeting agenda; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried
unanimously.
12/20/18:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Randall Cornelius. The
purpose of this work meeting was to discuss traditional ways Oneida has sanctioned its
leaders.
1/2/19:
Work Meeting. Present: Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel
Guzman, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to review the adoption packet and discuss any changes that should be made.
LRO will update all adoption materials.
1/7/19 LOC:
Motion by Kirby Metoxen to approve the adoption packet for the proposed Sanctions and
Penalties Law and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion on the
tentatively scheduled February 24, 2019 General Tribal Council meeting agenda for the
General Tribal Council’s consideration of adoption; seconded by Ernest Stevens III. Motion
carried unanimously.
1/24/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman,
Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker, Maureen Perkins. The purpose of
this work meeting was to review and discuss an article to be included in the 2/7 Kalihwisaks
edition.
1/29/19:
E-Poll conducted.
2/4/19:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck, Nathan
Wisneski, Xavier Horkman. The purpose of this work meeting was to discuss the creation of
a promotional video for the Sanctions and Penalties law.
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman,
Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work meeting was to review
and discuss the script for the Sanctions and Penalties law PowerPoint presentation. The LOC
also discussed filming a promotional video for the Sanctions and Penalties law.
2/6/19 LOC:
Motion by Jennifer Webster to enter the results of the January 29, 2019 e-poll entitled “Epoll Request: Sanctions and Penalties Law February 7, 2019 Kalihwisaks Article” into the
record; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.
2/6/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Jennifer Falck,
Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker, Maureen Perkins. The purpose of
this work meeting was to practice the PowerPoint presentation for the upcoming GTC
meeting, as well as review and approve the script for the promotional video.
2/8/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Jennifer Falck,
Clorissa N. Santiago, Phil Wisneski. The purpose of this work meeting was to film the
promotional video for the Sanctions and Penalties law.
2/14/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer
Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Cathy Bachhuber. The purpose of this work
meeting was to practice the PowerPoint presentation for the upcoming GTC meeting, as well
as review the “FAQ” sheet.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 5 of 12
~
ONEIDA
9 of 51
2/20/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel
Guzman, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker. The
purpose of this work meeting was to practice the PowerPoint presentation for the upcoming
GTC meeting, practice responding to potential questions, and review and approve the
Sanctions and Penalties law promotional video.
3/1/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens
III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to review and discuss the engagement with the informational video, practice the
LOC’s PowerPoint presentation, and prepare to answer potential questions that may be
asked at the upcoming GTC meeting.
3/15/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N.
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Maureen Perkins. The purpose of this work meeting was to
practice the LOC’s PowerPoint presentation and prepare to answer potential questions that
may be asked at the upcoming GTC meeting.
3/17/19 GTC: Motion by Cathy L. Metoxen to table this item for sixty (60) days. Motion ruled out of order
by Vice-Chairman Brandon Stevens; all the materials are available today in order to make a
decision
Motion by Becky Webster to adopt the resolution entitled Sanctions and Penalties Law on
pages 5 and 6 of the meeting packet; with the amendment to the law to limit those who have
standing to file a complaint to Tribal Members only. Seconded by Jamie Willis. Motion not
voted on; item deferred, see amendment.
Amendment to the main motion by Mike Debraska to defer item IV.A. for at least sixty (60)
days for GTC to have additional time to consider it and have input. Seconded by Tina
Danforth. Motion carried by show of hands.
3/20/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer
Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work meeting was to
debrief on the 3/17 GTC meeting, and begin discussing a plan for how to move this law
forward, and the additional outreach we will conduct.
3/28/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer
Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Rosa Laster. The purpose of this work
meeting was to briefly discuss potential ideas for additional outreach videos that can be
made before this item is presented to the GTC again for consideration. Ernie expressed
interest in taking a larger role in the creation of development of these videos.
5/1/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer
Webster, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to discuss a plan for outreach events the LOC can hold, and a plan for when
this item might be presented to GTC again. The LRO was directed to move forward with
developing a Kalihwisaks article that discusses outreach and provides a schedule of the new
outreach dates.
6/13/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Destiny Prendiville, Laura
Laitinen-Warren. The purpose of this work meeting was to review the community outreach
notice that will be published in the Kalihwisaks and discuss the outreach plan.
6/19/19 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the community outreach notice for the Sanctions &
Penalties law with one noted change, and forward to the Kalihwisaks for publication in the
July 3, 2019 Kalihwisaks edition; seconded by Ernest Stevens III. Motion carried
unanimously.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 6 of 12
~
ONEIDA
10 of 51
7/11/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. The LOC had a booth set up
with a poster of information as well as a flyer, copy of the law, and FAQs. LRO staff
members Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Destiny Prendiville and
Maureen Perkins were available to answer questions and take comments. Although flyers
and the provided information were taken from the booth or passed out to people, no input as
to the law was collected.
7/17/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the Norbert Hill Center’s Business Committee Conference room. The LOC
had a booth set up with a poster of information as well as a flyer, copy of the law, and
FAQs. LOC member David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III,
and Daniel Guzman King, as well as LRO staff members Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N.
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, and Destiny Prendiville were available to answer questions
and take comments. No one attended this community outreach event.
8/9/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the Veteran’s Breakfast. Staff in attendance included David P. Jordan,
Kirby Metoxen, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Maureen Perkins. Kirby gave an
introduction and then held discussion with the community members in attendance at the
Veteran’s Breakfast.
8/15/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the Oneida Farmer’s Market. Staff in attendance included David P. Jordan,
Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman King, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N.
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The LOC had a booth at the farmer’s market with a poster of
information as well as a flyer, copy of the law, and FAQs.
8/21/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer
Webster, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to discuss the outreach efforts that have occurred, and determine whether the
LOC is interested in holding more outreach events. The LOC determined that two more
outreach events will be held.
9/4/19 LOC:
Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the community outreach notice and article for the
Sanctions and Penalties Law, and forward to the Kalihwisaks for publication in the
September 19, 2019, edition; seconded by Ernest Stevens III. Motion carried unanimously.
9/19/19:
Article and community outreach event notice published in the Kalihwisaks.
10/7/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the Elder Services Congregate Meal Site over the lunch hour. Staff in
attendance included: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Ernest Stevens III, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. Kirby gave an
introduction and then opened up for discussion of any questions the community members in
attendance had.
10/16/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to discuss the 10/18/19 outreach event in Milwaukee and begin planning for
how the LOC wants to present this item to GTC again. All materials will have to be
submitted to the OBC by November 18, 2019, for inclusion on the annual GTC meeting
agenda.
10/18/19:
Community Outreach Event. The Legislative Operating Committee held a community
outreach event at the SEOTS building in Milwaukee. Those in attendance included: David P.
Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Daniel Guzman King, Clorissa N. Santiago,
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 7 of 12
~
ONEIDA
11 of 51
Brandon Wisneski, Mike Debraska. Kirby gave an introduction, and then the LOC and Mike
Debraska reviewed the law line by line stopping for questions and discussion.
10/31/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The
purpose of this work meeting was to strategize how the LOC would like to present this law
again to the GTC, and review and discuss the first draft of a memo that can be included in
the GTC materials.
11/6/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Ernest Stevens III, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jameson Wilson. The
purpose of this work meeting was to provide a brief update that the LRO will be holding a
work meeting with the Communications Department on Thursday, November 7, 2019, to
discuss the development of the multi-media presentation for the January 2020 GTC meeting.
11/15/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Ernest Stevens III, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The
purpose of this work meeting was to finalize the memo that would be presented to the GTC
on January 20, 2020. LRO will conduct an e-poll of the memo today so that the materials
can be forwarded to the OBC.
11/15/19:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties Law Materials
for the January 20, 2020, GTC Meeting.” The requested action of this e-poll was to approve
the Sanctions and Penalties law materials and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for
inclusion in the January 20, 2020, General Tribal Council meeting packet materials. The epoll was approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, and Daniel
Guzman King. Kirby Metoxen did not provide a response to the e-poll during the e-poll time
frame.
11/19/19:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Xavier Horkman. The
purpose of this work meeting was to begin collaborations between the LOC and the
Communications Department on the development of a multimedia presentation for the
January 2020 GTC meeting.
11/20/19 LOC: Motion by Kirby Metoxen to enter the November 15, 2019, Sanction and Penalties Law
material for the January 20, 2020, GTC Meeting E-Poll results into record; seconded by
Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
11/20/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Daniel Guzman King, Ernest
Stevens III, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work meeting was
to update the LOC on the collaboration with the Communications Department on the
development of a multimedia presentation for the January 20, 2020, annual GTC meeting.
LOC also discussed potential ideas for a Sanctions and Penalties law promotional video.
11/26/19 OBC: Motion by Lisa Summers to approve back to the Legislative Operating Committee, for
General Tribal Council consideration, number one (1) as identified in the request [on page
90 of the meeting packet], seconded by David P. Jordan. Motion withdrawn.
Motion by Daniel Guzman King to defer the Sanctions and Penalties law materials back to
the Legislative Operating Committee for consideration of today's discussion and
reformatting of the request to General Tribal Council, seconded by Ernie Stevens III. Motion
carried
11/26/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Daniel Guzman King, Ernest
Stevens III, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, JoAnne House. The purpose of this
work meeting was to consider the discussion that occurred at the OBC meeting and
determine a new strategy for moving this item forward. The LOC directed that an updated
~
memo, draft, legislative analysis, resolution, and statement of effect be developed for
GODDOC)
inclusion on the December 4, 2019, special OBC meeting.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 8 of 12
ONEIDA
12 of 51
12/2/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman King, Ernest
Stevens III, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck. The purpose of this
work meeting was to review the updated draft and memo and determine if there were any
other considerations that needed to be made by the LOC before this item moves forward.
12/4/19 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the January 20, 2020 General Tribal Council
Meeting materials with one change and forward to the Oneida Business Committee;
seconded by Ernest Stevens III. Motion carried unanimously.
12/4/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Clorissa N.
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck. The purpose of this work meeting was to
discuss the community comments that were made during today’s LOC meeting, and discuss
a strategy for moving this item forward. LOC directed that an e-poll be conducted to rescind
the earlier Sanctions and Penalties law motion, so that the materials are not sent to the
December 4, 2019, special OBC meeting for inclusion in the January 20, 2020, General
Tribal Council meeting. Instead, the LOC wants to bring the proposed changes to a public
meeting, finalize a draft, and request an updated fiscal impact statement, and bring an
updated packet to the tentative March 2020 special GTC meeting.
12/4/19:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Rescission of the December 4, 2019, LOC Motion
Regarding the Sanctions and Penalties Law.” The requested action of this e-poll was to
Rescind the December 4, 2019, Legislative Operating Committee motion to “Approve the
January 20, 2020, General Tribal Council meeting materials and forward to the Oneida
Business Committee.” The e-poll was approved by Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen,
Jennifer Webster, David P. Jordan. Daniel Guzman King did not provide a response to the epoll during the e-poll time frame.
12/4/19 OBC: Motion by David P. Jordan to adopt with two (2) changes [1) delete item IV.A.1. Accept the
Sanctions and Penalties law materials and add to the tentatively scheduled 2020 annual
General Tribal Council meeting agenda; and 2) under New Business header, item A. Cancel
the December 26 and 27, 2019, Oneida Business Committee meetings), seconded by
Jennifer Webster. Motion carried.
12/9/19:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman
King, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Jennifer Falck. The purpose of this work
meeting was to confirm what the LOC wants to see in the proposed Sanctions and Penalties
for Elected Officials law draft that will be sent to a public meeting. LRO will prepare an epoll for the PM materials to be completed before December 12, 2019.
12/10/19:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Approval of January 7, 2020, Public Meeting for the
Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials Law.” The requested action of this e-poll was
to approve the public meeting packet and forward the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected
Officials law to a public meeting to be held on January 7, 2020. The e-poll was approved by
Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, David P. Jordan, and Daniel Guzman King. Ernest
Stevens III did not provide a response.
12/18/19 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to enter into the record the December 4, 2019, E-poll results for
the Sanctions and Penalties law – rescission of the December 4, 2019, LOC action; seconded
by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Ernest Stevens III to enter into the record the December 10, 2019, E-poll results
for the Sanctions and Penalties law – approval of a public meeting; seconded by Jennifer
Webster. Motion carried unanimously.
1/7/20:
Public Meeting Held. Present: David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N.
Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Kristen Hooker, Maureen Perkins, Lee Cornelius, Bonnie
Pigman, Ralinda Ninham-Lamberies, Kermit Valentino, Debra Valentino. One (1) person
provided oral comments during the public meeting.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 9 of 12
~
ONEIDA
13 of 51
1/8/20:
Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski, Xavier Horkman. The
purpose of this work meeting was to discuss and plan for the development of the Sanctions
and Penalties Law for Elected Officials law video presentation for the March 16, 2020,
General Tribal Council meeting.
1/14/20:
OBC Work Session. The purpose of attending this Oneida Business Committee work session
was to provide the Oneida Business Committee an update on why the Sanctions and
Penalties law materials would be a handout at the January 22, 2020, Oneida Business
Committee meeting.
1/14/20:
Public Comment Period Closed. Two (2) submissions of written comments were received
during the public comment period.
1/14/20:
OBC Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster,
Ernest Stevens III, Brandon Stevens, Patricia King, Lisa Liggins, JoAnne House, Jennifer
Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Laura Laitinen-Warren. The purpose of this work meeting was
to provide the Oneida Business Committee an update on why the Sanctions and Penalties
law materials would be a handout at the January 22, 2020, Oneida Business Committee
meeting.
1/15/20 LOC: Motion by Ernest Stevens III to accept the public comments and public comment review
memorandum and defer to a work meeting for further consideration; seconded by Daniel
Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
1/15/20:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel Guzman
King, Jennifer Falck, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this work
meeting was to review and consider all the public comments that were received. The LOC
also discussed the plan for e-polls and approving the materials.
1/15/20:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected
Officials Law Updated Materials and Fiscal Impact Statement Request Memorandum.” The
requested action of this e-poll was to Approve the updated public comment review
memorandum, draft, legislative analysis, and fiscal impact statement request memorandum,
and forward the fiscal impact statement request memorandum, with accompanying draft and
legislative analysis, to the Finance Department directing that a fiscal impact statement of the
proposed Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials law be prepared and submitted to the
Legislative Operating Committee by January 20, 2020.. The e-poll was approved by David
P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen. Daniel Guzman King did
not provide a response.
1/20/20:
Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens
III, Daniel Guzman King, Clorissa N. Santiago, Brandon Wisneski. The purpose of this
work meeting was to review the adoption memo, resolution, and statement of effect for the
Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials law.
1/21/20:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected
Officials Law Adoption Packet.” The requested action of this e-poll was to “Approve the
adoption packet for the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials law and forward to the
Oneida Business Committee for inclusion on the tentative March 2020 Special General
Tribal Council meeting agenda.” The e-poll was approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer
Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen, and Daniel Guzman King.
1/21/20:
E-Poll Conducted. E-Poll was titled “Rescission of the January 21, 2020, LOC Motion
Approving the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials Law Adoption Packet.” The
requested action of this e-poll was to “Rescind the January 21, 2020, Legislative Operating
Committee motion to ‘Approve the adoption packet for the Sanctions and Penalties for
Elected Officials law and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion on the
tentative March 2020 Special General Tribal Council meeting agenda.’.” The e-poll was
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 10 of 12
~
ONEIDA
14 of 51
approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel
Guzman King.
1/22/20 OBC: Motion by Ernie Stevens III to adopt the agenda with two (2) changes [1) add item IV.C.
Adopt resolution entitled Energy Infrastructure Deployment on Tribal Lands – 2020 Grant
Proposal # DEFOA-0002168; and 2) delete item VIII.B.2. Accept the Sanctions and
Penalties for Elected Officials law materials and add to the tentatively scheduled March 16,
2020, special General Tribal Council meeting agenda], seconded by Jennifer Webster.
Motion carried.
2/5/20 LOC:
Motion by Jennifer Webster to enter into record the e-poll results: Sanctions and Penalties
for Elected Officials Law – Approve Updated Materials and Fiscal Impact Statement
Request; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Jennifer Webster to Ratify the January 21, 2020, e-poll results into record;
seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Jennifer Webster to enter into the record the January 21, 2020, e-poll results for
the rescission of the January 21, 2020, LOC motion approving the Sanctions and Penalties
for elected Officials Law adoption packet and forward to the OBC for inclusion on the
tentative March 2020 GTC meeting agenda; seconded Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried
unanimously.
10/4/23 LOC: Motion by Marlon Skenandore to add the Sanctions and Penalties Law to the Active Files
List with Jennifer Webster as the sponsor; seconded by Jonas Hill. Motion carried
unanimously.
12/6/23:
Work Meeting. Present: Jameson Wilson, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Marlon
Skenandore, Jonas Hill, Clorissa Leeman, Grace Elliott, Maureen Perkins, Fawn Cottrell,
Kristal Hill. The purpose of this work meeting was to review the draft of the Sanctions and
Penalties law.
1/29/24:
E-Poll Conducted. This e-poll was titled, Approval of the March 6, 2024 LOC Community
Meeting Notice. The requested action of this e-poll was to Approve the Legislative
Operating Committee community meeting notice and schedule the community meeting to
take place on March 6, 2024. This e-poll was unanimously approved by Jennifer Webster,
Marlon Skenandore, Jonas Hill, Jameson Wilson, and Kirby Metoxen.
2/7/24 LOC:
Motion by Jennifer Webster to enter into the record the results of the January 29, 2024, epoll titled, Approval of the March 6, 2024 LOC Community Meeting Notice; seconded by
Jonas Hill. Motion carried unanimously.
3/6/24:
Work Meeting. Jameson Wilson, Kirby Metoxen, Jonas Hill, Marlon Skenandore, Jennifer
Webster, Clorissa Leeman, Grace Elliott, Fawn Cottrell, Kristal Hill, Maureen Perkins. The
purpose of this work session was for the LOC to practice the PowerPoint presentation for the
March 6, 2024, community meeting for the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures
Amendments, Sanctions and Penalties Law, and the Eviction and Termination law
amendments.
3/6/24:
Community Meeting. Present: Jameson Wilson, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Jonas
Hill, Marlon Skenadore, Clorissa Leeman, Grace Elliott, Fawn Cottrell, Kristal Hill,
Maureen Perkins, Francine Valentino, Melanie Burkhart, Gina Buenrostro, Peggy HelmQuest, Michelle Sawyer, Nadine Escamea, Bonnie Pigman, Olivia Pigman, Julie Denny,
Michelle Hill, Vicky Matson, Greg Matson, Julie Behnke, Lynn Metoxen, Jake Doxtator,
Kay Keshena, Connie Vandehei, Jen Falck, Lillian Wheelock, Dale Wheelock, Stephanie
Smith, Patricia Hoeft, Scott Denny, Dana McLester, Wendy Alvarez, Dana Thyssen, Todd
Vanden Heuvel, Larry Barton, Merissa Bloedorn, Lois Stevens, Mark Powless, Linda
Dallas, Jake, Peggy Van Gheem, Mary Loeffler, Matthew J. Denny, Nancy Barton, Brittany
Kulow, Mary Adams, Cathy Metoxen, WilliamA good
Gollnick.
Theheart.
Legislative
A strong fire. Operating
mind. A good
~
Page 11 of 12
ONEIDA
15 of 51
Committee held a community meeting in the NHC’s cafeteria from 5:30 p.m. through 7:30
p.m. regarding the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures Amendments, the Sanctions
and Penalties law, and the Eviction and Termination law amendments.
3/20/24:
Work Meeting. Present: Jameson Wilson, Jennifer Webster, Jonas Hill, Marlon Skenandore,
Clorissa Leeman, Grace Elliott, Fawn Cottrell, Kristal Hill, Maureen Perkins. The purpose
of this work session was for the LOC to debrief the March 6, 2024, community meeting and
determine the next steps to move these legislative items forward.
1/10/25:
Work Meeting. Present: Jameson Wilson, Jennifer Webster, Jonas Hill, Marlon Skenandore,
Kirby Metoxen, Clorissa Leeman, Lisa Liggins, Lawrence Barton, Tehassi Hill, Fawn
Cottrell, Fawn Billie, Maureen Perkins. The purpose of this work meeting was to review the
draft of the Law and determine next steps for moving this item forward.
2/19/25:
Work Meeting. Present: Jameson Wilson, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Clorissa
Leeman, Fawn Cottrell, Kristal Hill, Grace Elliott, Carolyn Salutz. The purpose of this work
meeting was to review the updated draft of the Law and finalize next steps for moving this
item forward.
Next Steps:
Approve the updated draft and legislative analysis;
Approve the Legislative Operating Committee Sanctions and Penalties law community work
session notice, and schedule a community work session to occur on April 2, 2025.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
Page 12 of 12
~
ONEIDA
16 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
Title 1. Government and Finances - Chapter 120
Kalihwahnila=t&= Okhale> Atatlihwa>thlew@htu Kayanl^sla
Giving strength to the issues
and
Forgiving oneself for the issue at hand
Laws
SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
120.1. Purpose and Policy
120.2. Adoption, Amendment, Repeal
120.3. Definitions
120.4. Misconduct
120.5. Filing of a Complaint
120.6. Complaint Procedure
120.7. Sanctions and Penalties
120.8. Effect of Resignation by an Official
120.9. Record of Conduct in Office
120.1. Purpose and Policy
120.2. Adoption, Amendment, Repeal
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
120.3. Definitions
120.4. Misconduct
120.5. Filing of a Complaint
120.6. Complaint Procedure
120.7. Sanctions and Penalties
120.8. Effect of Resignation by an Official
120.9. Record of Conduct
120.1. Purpose and Policy
120.1-1. Purpose. The purpose of this law is to establish a consistent set of sanctions and penalties
that may be imposed upon elected officials of the Nation for misconduct in office for the purpose
of providingin order to provide an opportunity for the official to take corrective action to address
the misconduct and promote accountability and improved performance of the official.
(a) This law applies to members of the Oneida Business Committee.
(b)Exclusion. This law does not apply to judges of the Oneida Nation Judiciary.
(c) This law does not apply to or members of corporate entities of the Nation.
120.1-2. Policy. It is the policy of the Nation to ensure that elected officials who commit
misconduct while in office be subject to appropriate sanctions and penalties; and to ensure that
there is a fair process in place that enables officials to fairly respond to allegations of misconduct.
120.1-3. It is the intent of the Nation that all elected officials strive to exhibit and uphold the
Nation’s core values of The Good Mind as expressed by On<yote>a=ka, which includes:
(a) Kahletsyal&sla. The heart felt encouragement of the best in each of us.
(b) Kanolukhw@sla. Compassion, caring, identity, and joy of being.
(c) Ka>nikuhli=y%. The openness of the good spirit and mind.
(d) Ka>tshatst^sla. The strength of belief and vision as a People.
(e) Kalihwi=y%. The use of the good words about ourselves, our Nation, and our future.
(f) Twahwahts$lay<. All of us are family.
(g) Yukwats$stay<. Our fire, our spirit within each one of us.
120.2. Adoption, Amendment, Repeal
120.2-1. This law was adopted by the General Tribal Council by resolution GTC-__-__-__-__.
120.2-2. This law may be amended or repealed by the General Tribal Council pursuant to the
procedures set out in the Legislative Procedures Act.
120.2-3. Should a provision of this law or the application thereof to any person or circumstances
be held as invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this law which are considered
to have legal force without the invalid portions.
120.2-4. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this law and a provision of another law,
the provisions of this law shall control.
120.2-5. This law is adopted under authority of the Constitution of the Oneida Nation.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 1
17 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
120.3. Definitions
120.3-1. This section shall govern the definitions of words and phrases used within this law. All
words not defined herein shall be used in their ordinary and everyday sense.
(a) “Business Committee Support Office” means the office that provides administrative
support for the Oneida Business Committee and various other governmental operations.
(b) “Business day” means Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding
holidays recognized by the Nation.
(cb) “Clear and convincing evidence” means evidence that demonstrates it is substantially
more likely than not that the facts presented are true.
(dc) “Complainant” means an individual who has made a complaint.
(ed) “Constitution” means the Constitution and By-Laws of the Oneida Nation.
(fe) “Court of Appeals” means the Court of Appeals of the Oneida Nation Judiciary.
(gf) “Entity” means a board, committee, commission, office, or other group of the Nation
an individual may be elected to serve a position on, including the Oneida Business
Committee.
(g) “Government Administrative Office” means the office that provides administrative
support for the Oneida Business Committee and various other governmental operations.
(h) “Misconduct” means wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct or behavior.
(i) “Nation” means the Oneida Nation.
(j) “Official” means any person who is elected to serve a position for the Nation, including,
but not limited to, a position on a board, committee, commission, or office of the Nation,
including the Oneida Business Committee.
(k) “Restitution” means compensation to an individual or entity for an injury, damage, or
loss.
(l) “Stipend” means the amount paid by the Oneida Nation to elected individuals serving
on boards, committees and commissions of the Nation to offset the expenses of being a
member on the board, committee or commission.
(m) “Substantiate” means to find that the complaint or allegation in the complaint is valid
because there is clear and convincing evidence.
(n) “Trial Court” means the Trial Court of the Oneida Nation Judiciary, which is the
judicial system that was established by Oneida General Tribal Council resolution GTC-0107-13-B, and then later authorized to administer the judicial authorities and responsibilities
of the Nation by Oneida General Tribal Council resolution GTC-03-19-17-A.
120.4. Misconduct
120.4-1. It shall be the obligation of every official to behave in a manner that promotes the highest
ethical and moral standard. High moral and ethicalhigh standards of conduct. High standards of
conduct amongst officials of the Nation isare essential to the conduct of government.
120.4-2. An official may be subject to sanctions and penalties for behaving in a manner which
constitutes misconduct. Misconduct includes:
(a) a violation of the Constitution or any of the Nation’s laws, policies, or rules;
(b) a violation of the bylaws, standard operating procedures, or other internal operating
documents that govern the entity upon which the official serves; and
(c) a conviction of a felony, or any crime in any jurisdiction that would be classified as a
felony under federal law or Wisconsin law; and.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 2
18 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
(d) any other activity that is incompatible with the high moral and ethical standards that
are expected of the Nation’s officials.
120.5. Filing of a Complaint
120.5-1. Who May File. Any individual at least eighteen (18) years of age or older who is an
enrolled member of the Nation or an employee of the Nation, or an entity, who in good faith, has
knowledge or reason to believe that an official has committed misconduct, may file a written
complaint.
120.5-2. When to File. A complaint may be filed as long as the alleged misconduct has occurred,
or was discovered to have occurred, within the previous ninety (90sixty (60) days.
120.5-3. Contents of the Complaint. The complaint alleging misconduct by an official shall
include the following information:
(a) The name(s) of the official alleged to have committed the misconduct;
(b) The entity or entities upon which the official serves;
(c) The specific date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the alleged misconduct;
(d) The specific details of the official’s misconduct;
(e) The specific provision of law, policy, rule, or bylaw of the Nation allegedly violated
by the official;
(f) Names of any witnesses of the alleged misconduct, or individuals who may have
knowledge pertinent to the alleged misconduct;
(g) The contact information for the person filing the complaint, which at minimum shall
include the person’s name, address, and telephone number;
(h) A notarized sworn statement attesting that the information provided in and with the
complaint is true, accurate, and complete to the best of the complainant’s knowledge;
(i) Any supporting documentation; and
(j) Any other information required by the Nation’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
120.5-4. Where to File. Complaints against an official shall be filed with the Nation’s Trial Court
pursuant to the Nation’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
120.5-5. Retaliation Prohibited. Retaliation against any individual who makes a complaint or party
or witness to a complaint is prohibited. This protection shall also be afforded to any person offering
testimony or evidence or complying with directives authorized under this law. Retaliation shall
include any form of adverse or punitive action by, or caused by, any official.
(a) If an individual alleges that retaliatory action has been threatened or taken based on the
individual’s complaint, or cooperation with directives authorized under this law, the
individual may file a complaint for the retaliatory action in accordance with section 120.5
of this law.
120.6. Complaint Procedure
120.6-1. Jurisdiction of the Trial Court. The Trial Court shall have jurisdiction to hear complaints
of alleged misconduct of officials.
120.6-2. Any official who is the subject of a complaint has the right to be represented by an
attorney or advocate, at his or hertheir own expense, for any actions or proceedings related to the
complaint.
120.6-3. Burden of Proof. In a civil action against an official for misconduct, the complainant has
the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the official engaged in misconduct.
120.6-4. Confidentiality. All complaints alleged against an official of the Nation shall be handled
in a confidential manner.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 3
19 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
(a) All hearings and/or proceedings related to a complaint shall be closed to the general
public.
(b) All records of hearings and/or proceedings shall not be subject to public review or
inspection. An official’s record of conduct shall only be made available for review by the
Trial Court.
(c) Exception. A except that a decision of the Trial CourtJudiciary regarding a complaint
alleged against an official, and any sanctions and/or penalties that are imposed against an
official, shall be public information.
120.6-5. Determination of the Trial Court. In making a final determination, the Trial Court shall
determine if there is enough evidence to substantiate the allegations of misconduct by the official
by clear and convincing evidence.
(a) If the Trial Court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence that the official
engaged in misconduct, the Trial Court shall determine and impose any sanctions and/or
penalties deemed appropriate in accordance with this law.
(b) If the Trial Court does not find that there is clear and convincing evidence to support
the allegations that the official engaged in misconduct, the complaint shall be dismissed.
120.6-6. Appeal. The complainant and the official who is the subject of the complaint shall both
have the right to appeal the Trial Court’s decision to the Court of Appeals pursuant to the Nation’s
Rules of Appellate Procedure. The appeal shall be limited to review of the record, and the Trial
Court’s decision may only be overturned if the Court of Appeals determines that:
(a) The findings or penalties imposed were clearly erroneous, unsupported by the record,
or made on unreasonable grounds or without any proper consideration of circumstances;
or
(b) Procedural irregularities occurred which prevented a fair and impartial hearing.
120.6-7. The Trial Court shall provide the Business Committee Support Office a copy of the
complaint and the determination of the Trial Court for the official’s record of conduct in office.
120.7. Sanctions and Penalties
120.7-1. A sanction or penalty, or any combination of sanctions and/or penalties, may be imposed
upon the Nation’s officials for misconduct in office, in accordance with this law.
120.7-2. Sanctions and penalties may include:
(a) Verbal Reprimand. A verbal reprimand may be imposed on the official.
(1) The Trial Court shall submit written notices to both the official and to the
Business Committee SupportGovernment Administrative Office of the specific
date, time, and location of the verbal reprimand. The verbal reprimand shall occur
at an Oneida Business Committee meeting and/or a General Tribal Council
meeting.
(2) To impose the verbal reprimand, the presiding Oneida Business Committee
Chairperson, or another Oneida Business Committee member if the verbal
reprimand is imposed against the presiding Oneida Business Committee
Chairperson, shall read athe following statement that identifies:
(A) The Trial Court’s findings regarding the specific actions or inaction
taken by the official that were found to be misconduct;
(B) The reasons why the official’s actions or inactions amounted to
misconduct;
(C) A statement identifying that the misconduct violates the high standards
of behavior expected of the Nation’s officials and is not acceptable; and
1. O.C. 120 – Page 4
20 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
(D) A direction to the official to refrain from engaging in future misconduct.
(A) [Insert name of official] who serves on [Insert name of entity] is
receiving this reprimand because they have been found by the Nation’s
Judiciary to have engaged in misconduct. High standards of conduct
amongst officials of the Nation are essential to the conduct of government.
[Insert name of official’s] behavior did not rise to the high standards of
conduct that is expected of the Nation’s elected officials. The following are
the findings from the Trial Count regarding [Insert name of official’s]
misconduct: [identify the judicial findings regarding the misconduct.] Any
future misconduct may result in the imposition of additional sanctions or
penalties.
(b) Public Apology. The official may be ordered to make a public apology.
(1) The Trial Court shall submit written notices to both the official and to the
Business Committee SupportGovernment Administrative Office of the specific
date, time, and location of the public apology. The public apology shall occur at an
Oneida Business Committee meeting and/or a General Tribal Council meeting. The
public apology shall:
(1) identify the specific misconduct committed(2) The public apology made by the
official;
(2) recognize that shall identify the judicial findings regarding the official’s actions
or inactions were wrong;
(3) identify the effects of the official’s misconduct; and
(4) include a clear and unambiguous apology from the official for the misconduct.
(c) Written Reprimand. A written reprimand may be imposed on the official by publication
on the Nation’s official media outlets, as determined by the Oneida Business Committee.
The Trial Court may publish a written reprimand which includes the information required
for the verbal reprimand as stated in section 120.7-2(a)(2)(A)-(D).
(1) The Trial Court may publish a written reprimand which includes the same
statement as required for the verbal reprimand as stated in section 120.7-2(a)(2)(A).
(d) Suspension. An official may be suspended from performing his or hertheir duties as
an official for a period of time not to exceed two (2) regular meetings, or fifteen (15)
business days if the official serves in a full-time capacity.
(1) During a suspension, the official shall not:
(A) attend meetings, trainings or any other event as part of the entity;
(B) attend conferences or other events on behalf of, or as a representative
of, the entity;
(C) vote or participate in any activities of the entity;
(D) perform work on behalf of the entity; or
(E) be eligible for any compensation, including regular pay, stipends, or
mileage reimbursement.
(2) When an official is suspended, the Trial Court shall submit written notices to
both the official and to, the Business Committee SupportGovernment
Administrative Office, Finance Administration, and the Human Resources
Department, when applicable, of the specific start and end date of the suspension.
(3) If a suspension is imposed on multiple officials of the same entity at one time,
the Trial Court shallmay impose the suspensions of the officials on a staggered
basis to avoid an interruption of the official business and function of the entity.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 5
21 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
(e) Restitution. An official may be ordered to pay restitution, which may include the
repayment of any improperly received benefit, or any other payment which is intended to
make another individual or entity whole after suffering losses as a result of the official’s
misconduct.
(f) Fines. An official may be ordered to pay a fine not to exceed two thousand and five
hundred dollars ($2,500).
(1) Fines shall be paid to the Trial Court.
(2(2) Community service may be substituted for part or all of any fine at the
minimum wage rate of the Nation for each hour of community service. The use of
community service as a substitution for a fine shall be approved and monitored by
the Trial Court.
(3) Fines shall be paid within ninety (90) days after the order is issued or upheld
on final appeal, whichever is later. If the fine is not paid by this deadline, the Trial
Court may seek to collect the money owed through garnishment either through the
procedures provided in the Nation’s Garnishment law or through garnishment
procedures of other jurisdictions, and/or per capita attachment processin
accordance with the Per Capita law.
(3) Money received from fines shall be deposited into the General Fund.
(4) Community service may be substituted for part or all of any fine at the minimum
wage rate of the Nation for each hour of community service.
(g) Loss of Stipend. An official may be ordered to forfeit a stipend for his or hertheir
service on an entity not to exceed two (2) meetings.
(1) When an official is ordered to forfeit a stipend, the Trial Court shall submit
written notices to the official and the Government Administrative Office.
(h) Mandatory Participation in Training. An official may be ordered to participate in and
complete a training class or program at their own expense that will assist the official in
addressing and improving his or hertheir behaviors and/or actions.
(1) The mandated training class or program may address a variety of topics
including, but not limited to, anger management, sexual harassment, or other
sensitivity training.
(i) Removal. The Trial Court may recommend that the process for removing an elected
official as contained in the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal be initiated.
120.7-3. Factors in Determining an Appropriate Sanction and/or Penalty. When determining the
appropriate sanction or sanctions to impose, the Trial Court may consider all factors it deems
relevant, including but not limited to:
(a) the seriousness or severity of the misconduct;
(b) whether the conduct was intentional or not;
(c) the likelihood of repetition;
(d) the extent of probable damage to the finances or reputation of the Nation, the
complainant, the entity, or to any other person or organization;
(e) whether the official or his or hertheir family personally profited, financially or
otherwise, from the prohibited conduct;
(f) the official’s remorse, or
(g) the official’s willingness and ability to take steps to mitigate the harm caused by the
violation, and
(h) any prior complaints filed, including any previous sanctions and penalties imposed
upon the official while serving on an entity.(h) the record of conduct of an official.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 6
22 of 51
Draft 6 (Redline to Draft 5)
2025 03 05
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
120.7-4. The Trial Court may impose a sanction and/or penalty on a conditional basis, whereas
compliance with a specific sanction and/or penalty shall prevent the imposition of a more stringent
or burdensome sanction and/or penalty.
120.7-5. The imposition of sanctions and/or penalties in accordance with this law does not exempt
an official from individual liability for the underlying misconduct, and does not limit any penalties
that may be imposed in accordance with other applicable laws. In addition to any sanctions and
penalties that may be imposed in accordance with this law, officials who commit misconduct in
office may be subject to other consequences; including but not limited to:
(a) removal in accordance with the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal;
(b) criminal prosecution, for misconduct that also violates applicable criminal law;
(c) civil liability, in accordance with the applicable law of any jurisdiction; and/or
(d) penalties for specific misconduct as authorized by any other law of the Nation.
120.7-6. An official who does not comply with a sanction and/or penalty that has been imposed
against him or her by the Trial Court may be subject to the following:
(a) additional sanctions and/or penalties that result from a complaint of misconduct filed
in accordance with this Law based on the non-compliance;
(b) removal in accordance with the Nation’s laws and policies governing removal.
120.8. Effect of Resignation by an Official
120.8-1. The resignation of an official after a complaint has been filed against the official shall
not affect the status of the hearing and determination by the Trial Court.
120.8-2. An official who resigns may still be subject to sanctions and/or penalties at the discretion
of the Trial Court.
120.9. Record of Conduct in Office
120.9-1. The Business Committee Support OfficeJudiciary shall maintain a record of conduct in
office for each official. An official’s record of conduct shall only be made available for review by
the Judiciary.
120.9-2. The record of conduct in office maintained for each official shall include, at a minimum:
(a) a copy of each complaint filed against the official;
(b) recording and/or transcript from any hearings and/or proceedings;
(c) the outcome of the complaint, and
(d) any sanctions or penalties imposed upon an official.
120.9-3. The record of conduct in office for each official shall be maintained for a period of no
less than seven (7) years.
End.
Adopted – GTC-__-__-__-__
1. O.C. 120 – Page 7
23 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
Title 1. Government and Finances - Chapter 120
Kalihwahnila=t&= Okhale> Atatlihwa>thlew@htu Kayanl^sla
Giving strength to the issues
and
Forgiving oneself for the issue at hand
Laws
SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES
120.1. Purpose and Policy
120.2. Adoption, Amendment, Repeal
120.3. Definitions
120.4. Misconduct
120.5. Filing of a Complaint
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
120.6. Complaint Procedure
120.7. Sanctions and Penalties
120.8. Effect of Resignation by an Official
120.9. Record of Conduct
120.1. Purpose and Policy
120.1-1. Purpose. The purpose of this law is to establish a consistent set of sanctions and
penalties that may be imposed upon elected officials of the Nation for misconduct in office in
order to provide an opportunity for the official to take corrective action to address the
misconduct and promote accountability and improved performance of the official.
(a) Exclusion. This law does not apply to judges of the Oneida Nation Judiciary or
members of corporate entities of the Nation.
120.1-2. Policy. It is the policy of the Nation to ensure that elected officials who commit
misconduct while in office be subject to appropriate sanctions and penalties; and to ensure that
there is a fair process in place that enables officials to fairly respond to allegations of
misconduct.
120.1-3. It is the intent of the Nation that all elected officials strive to exhibit and uphold the
Nation’s core values of The Good Mind as expressed by On<yote>a=ka, which includes:
(a) Kahletsyal&sla. The heart felt encouragement of the best in each of us.
(b) Kanolukhw@sla. Compassion, caring, identity, and joy of being.
(c) Ka>nikuhli=y%. The openness of the good spirit and mind.
(d) Ka>tshatst^sla. The strength of belief and vision as a People.
(e) Kalihwi=y%. The use of the good words about ourselves, our Nation, and our future.
(f) Twahwahts$lay<. All of us are family.
(g) Yukwats$stay<. Our fire, our spirit within each one of us.
120.2. Adoption, Amendment, Repeal
120.2-1. This law was adopted by the General Tribal Council by resolution GTC-__-__-__-__.
120.2-2. This law may be amended or repealed by the General Tribal Council pursuant to the
procedures set out in the Legislative Procedures Act.
120.2-3. Should a provision of this law or the application thereof to any person or circumstances
be held as invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this law which are
considered to have legal force without the invalid portions.
120.2-4. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this law and a provision of another law,
the provisions of this law shall control.
120.2-5. This law is adopted under authority of the Constitution of the Oneida Nation.
120.3. Definitions
120.3-1. This section shall govern the definitions of words and phrases used within this law. All
words not defined herein shall be used in their ordinary and everyday sense.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 1
24 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
(a) “Business day” means Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding
holidays recognized by the Nation.
(b) “Clear and convincing evidence” means evidence that demonstrates it is substantially
more likely than not that the facts presented are true.
(c) “Complainant” means an individual who has made a complaint.
(d) “Constitution” means the Constitution and By-Laws of the Oneida Nation.
(e) “Court of Appeals” means the Court of Appeals of the Oneida Nation Judiciary.
(f) “Entity” means a board, committee, commission, office, or other group of the Nation
an individual may be elected to serve a position on, including the Oneida Business
Committee.
(g) “Government Administrative Office” means the office that provides administrative
support for the Oneida Business Committee and various other governmental operations.
(h) “Misconduct” means wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct or behavior.
(i) “Nation” means the Oneida Nation.
(j) “Official” means any person who is elected to serve a position for the Nation,
including, but not limited to, a position on a board, committee, commission, or office of
the Nation, including the Oneida Business Committee.
(k) “Restitution” means compensation to an individual or entity for an injury, damage, or
loss.
(l) “Stipend” means the amount paid by the Oneida Nation to elected individuals serving
on boards, committees and commissions of the Nation to offset the expenses of being a
member on the board, committee or commission.
(m) “Substantiate” means to find that the complaint or allegation in the complaint is
valid because there is clear and convincing evidence.
(n) “Trial Court” means the Trial Court of the Oneida Nation Judiciary, which is the
judicial system that was established by Oneida General Tribal Council resolution GTC01-07-13-B, and then later authorized to administer the judicial authorities and
responsibilities of the Nation by Oneida General Tribal Council resolution GTC-03-1917-A.
120.4. Misconduct
120.4-1. It shall be the obligation of every official to behave in a manner that promotes high
standards of conduct. High standards of conduct amongst officials of the Nation are essential to
the conduct of government.
120.4-2. An official may be subject to sanctions and penalties for behaving in a manner which
constitutes misconduct. Misconduct includes:
(a) a violation of the Constitution or any of the Nation’s laws, policies, or rules;
(b) a violation of the bylaws, standard operating procedures, or other internal operating
documents that govern the entity upon which the official serves; and
(c) a conviction of a felony, or any crime in any jurisdiction that would be classified as a
felony under federal law or Wisconsin law.
120.5. Filing of a Complaint
120.5-1. Who May File. Any individual at least eighteen (18) years of age or older who is an
enrolled member of the Nation or an employee of the Nation, or an entity, who in good faith, has
knowledge or reason to believe that an official has committed misconduct, may file a written
complaint.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 2
25 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
120.5-2. When to File. A complaint may be filed as long as the alleged misconduct has
occurred, or was discovered to have occurred, within the previous sixty (60) days.
120.5-3. Contents of the Complaint. The complaint alleging misconduct by an official shall
include the following information:
(a) The name(s) of the official alleged to have committed the misconduct;
(b) The entity or entities upon which the official serves;
(c) The specific date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the alleged misconduct;
(d) The specific details of the official’s misconduct;
(e) The specific provision of law, policy, rule, or bylaw of the Nation allegedly violated
by the official;
(f) Names of any witnesses of the alleged misconduct, or individuals who may have
knowledge pertinent to the alleged misconduct;
(g) The contact information for the person filing the complaint, which at minimum shall
include the person’s name, address, and telephone number;
(h) A notarized sworn statement attesting that the information provided in and with the
complaint is true, accurate, and complete to the best of the complainant’s knowledge;
(i) Any supporting documentation; and
(j) Any other information required by the Nation’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
120.5-4. Where to File. Complaints against an official shall be filed with the Nation’s Trial
Court pursuant to the Nation’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
120.5-5. Retaliation Prohibited. Retaliation against any individual who makes a complaint or
party or witness to a complaint is prohibited. This protection shall also be afforded to any person
offering testimony or evidence or complying with directives authorized under this law.
Retaliation shall include any form of adverse or punitive action by, or caused by, any official.
(a) If an individual alleges that retaliatory action has been threatened or taken based on
the individual’s complaint, or cooperation with directives authorized under this law, the
individual may file a complaint for the retaliatory action in accordance with section 120.5
of this law.
120.6. Complaint Procedure
120.6-1. Jurisdiction of the Trial Court. The Trial Court shall have jurisdiction to hear
complaints of alleged misconduct of officials.
120.6-2. Any official who is the subject of a complaint has the right to be represented by an
attorney or advocate, at their own expense, for any actions or proceedings related to the
complaint.
120.6-3. Burden of Proof. In a civil action against an official for misconduct, the complainant
has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the official engaged in
misconduct.
120.6-4. Confidentiality. All complaints alleged against an official of the Nation shall be
handled in a confidential manner.
(a) All hearings and/or proceedings related to a complaint shall be closed to the general
public.
(b) All records of hearings and/or proceedings shall not be subject to public review or
inspection except that a decision of the Judiciary regarding a complaint alleged against an
official, and any sanctions and/or penalties that are imposed against an official, shall be
public information.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 3
26 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
120.6-5. Determination of the Trial Court. In making a final determination, the Trial Court shall
determine if there is enough evidence to substantiate the allegations of misconduct by the official
by clear and convincing evidence.
(a) If the Trial Court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence that the official
engaged in misconduct, the Trial Court shall determine and impose any sanctions and/or
penalties deemed appropriate in accordance with this law.
(b) If the Trial Court does not find that there is clear and convincing evidence to support
the allegations that the official engaged in misconduct, the complaint shall be dismissed.
120.6-6. Appeal. The complainant and the official who is the subject of the complaint shall both
have the right to appeal the Trial Court’s decision to the Court of Appeals pursuant to the
Nation’s Rules of Appellate Procedure. The appeal shall be limited to review of the record, and
the Trial Court’s decision may only be overturned if the Court of Appeals determines that:
(a) The findings or penalties imposed were clearly erroneous, unsupported by the record,
or made on unreasonable grounds or without any proper consideration of circumstances;
or
(b) Procedural irregularities occurred which prevented a fair and impartial hearing.
120.7. Sanctions and Penalties
120.7-1. A sanction or penalty, or any combination of sanctions and/or penalties, may be
imposed upon the Nation’s officials for misconduct in office, in accordance with this law.
120.7-2. Sanctions and penalties may include:
(a) Verbal Reprimand. A verbal reprimand may be imposed on the official.
(1) The Trial Court shall submit written notices to both the official and to the
Government Administrative Office of the specific date, time, and location of the
verbal reprimand. The verbal reprimand shall occur at an Oneida Business
Committee meeting and/or a General Tribal Council meeting.
(2) To impose the verbal reprimand, the presiding Oneida Business Committee
Chairperson, or another Oneida Business Committee member if the verbal
reprimand is imposed against the presiding Oneida Business Committee
Chairperson, shall read the following statement:
(A) [Insert name of official] who serves on [Insert name of entity] is
receiving this reprimand because they have been found by the Nation’s
Judiciary to have engaged in misconduct. High standards of conduct
amongst officials of the Nation are essential to the conduct of government.
[Insert name of official’s] behavior did not rise to the high standards of
conduct that is expected of the Nation’s elected officials. The following are
the findings from the Trial Count regarding [Insert name of official’s]
misconduct: [identify the judicial findings regarding the misconduct.] Any
future misconduct may result in the imposition of additional sanctions or
penalties.
(b) Public Apology. The official may be ordered to make a public apology.
(1) The Trial Court shall submit written notices to both the official and to the
Government Administrative Office of the specific date, time, and location of the
public apology. The public apology shall occur at an Oneida Business Committee
meeting and/or a General Tribal Council meeting.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 4
27 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
(2) The public apology made by the official shall identify the judicial findings
regarding the official’s misconduct and include a clear and unambiguous apology
from the official for the misconduct.
(c) Written Reprimand. A written reprimand may be imposed on the official by
publication on the Nation’s official media outlets, as determined by the Oneida Business
Committee.
(1) The Trial Court may publish a written reprimand which includes the same
statement as required for the verbal reprimand as stated in section 120.72(a)(2)(A).
(d) Suspension. An official may be suspended from performing their duties as an official
for a period of time not to exceed two (2) regular meetings, or fifteen (15) business days
if the official serves in a full-time capacity.
(1) During a suspension, the official shall not:
(A) attend meetings, trainings or any other event as part of the entity;
(B) attend conferences or other events on behalf of, or as a representative
of, the entity;
(C) vote or participate in any activities of the entity;
(D) perform work on behalf of the entity; or
(E) be eligible for any compensation, including regular pay, stipends, or
mileage reimbursement.
(2) When an official is suspended, the Trial Court shall submit written notices to
the official, the Government Administrative Office, Finance Administration, and
the Human Resources Department, when applicable, of the specific start and end
date of the suspension.
(3) If a suspension is imposed on multiple officials of the same entity at one time,
the Trial Court may impose the suspensions of the officials on a staggered basis to
avoid an interruption of the official business and function of the entity.
(e) Restitution. An official may be ordered to pay restitution, which may include the
repayment of any improperly received benefit, or any other payment which is intended to
make another individual or entity whole after suffering losses as a result of the official’s
misconduct.
(f) Fines. An official may be ordered to pay a fine not to exceed two thousand and five
hundred dollars ($2,500).
(1) Fines shall be paid to the Trial Court.
(2) Community service may be substituted for part or all of any fine at the
minimum wage rate of the Nation for each hour of community service. The use of
community service as a substitution for a fine shall be approved and monitored by
the Trial Court.
(3) Fines shall be paid within ninety (90) days after the order is issued or upheld
on final appeal, whichever is later. If the fine is not paid by this deadline, the Trial
Court may seek to collect the money owed through garnishment either through the
procedures provided in the Nation’s Garnishment law or through garnishment
procedures of other jurisdictions, and/or per capita attachment in accordance with
the Per Capita law.
(g) Loss of Stipend. An official may be ordered to forfeit a stipend for their service on an
entity not to exceed two (2) meetings.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 5
28 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
(1) When an official is ordered to forfeit a stipend, the Trial Court shall submit
written notices to the official and the Government Administrative Office.
(h) Mandatory Participation in Training. An official may be ordered to participate in
and complete a training class or program at their own expense that will assist the official
in addressing and improving their behaviors and/or actions.
(1) The mandated training class or program may address a variety of topics
including, but not limited to, anger management, sexual harassment, or other
sensitivity training.
(i) Removal. The Trial Court may recommend that the process for removing an elected
official as contained in the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal be initiated.
120.7-3. Factors in Determining an Appropriate Sanction and/or Penalty. When determining
the appropriate sanction or sanctions to impose, the Trial Court may consider all factors it deems
relevant, including but not limited to:
(a) the seriousness or severity of the misconduct;
(b) whether the conduct was intentional or not;
(c) the likelihood of repetition;
(d) the extent of probable damage to the finances or reputation of the Nation, the
complainant, the entity, or to any other person or organization;
(e) whether the official or their family personally profited, financially or otherwise, from
the prohibited conduct;
(f) the official’s remorse, or
(g) the official’s willingness and ability to take steps to mitigate the harm caused by the
violation, and
(h) the record of conduct of an official.
120.7-4. The Trial Court may impose a sanction and/or penalty on a conditional basis, whereas
compliance with a specific sanction and/or penalty shall prevent the imposition of a more
stringent or burdensome sanction and/or penalty.
120.7-5. The imposition of sanctions and/or penalties in accordance with this law does not
exempt an official from individual liability for the underlying misconduct, and does not limit any
penalties that may be imposed in accordance with other applicable laws. In addition to any
sanctions and penalties that may be imposed in accordance with this law, officials who commit
misconduct in office may be subject to other consequences; including but not limited to:
(a) removal in accordance with the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal;
(b) criminal prosecution, for misconduct that also violates applicable criminal law;
(c) civil liability, in accordance with the applicable law of any jurisdiction; and/or
(d) penalties for specific misconduct as authorized by any other law of the Nation.
120.7-6. An official who does not comply with a sanction and/or penalty that has been imposed
against him or her by the Trial Court may be subject to the following:
(a) additional sanctions and/or penalties that result from a complaint of misconduct filed
in accordance with this Law based on the non-compliance;
(b) removal in accordance with the Nation’s laws and policies governing removal.
120.8. Effect of Resignation by an Official
120.8-1. The resignation of an official after a complaint has been filed against the official shall
not affect the status of the hearing and determination by the Trial Court.
120.8-2. An official who resigns may still be subject to sanctions and/or penalties at the
discretion of the Trial Court.
1. O.C. 120 – Page 6
29 of 51
Draft 6
2025 03 05
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
120.9. Record of Conduct
120.9-1. The Judiciary shall maintain a record of conduct for each official. An official’s record
of conduct shall only be made available for review by the Judiciary.
120.9-2. The record of conduct maintained for each official shall include, at a minimum:
(a) a copy of each complaint filed against the official;
(b) recording and/or transcript from any hearings and/or proceedings;
(c) the outcome of the complaint, and
(d) any sanctions or penalties imposed upon an official.
120.9-3. The record of conduct for each official shall be maintained for a period of no less than
seven (7) years.
End.
Adopted – GTC-__-__-__-__
1. O.C. 120 – Page 7
30 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
Kalihwahnila=t&= Okhale> Atatlihwa>thlew@htu Kayanl^sla
Giving strength to the issues
and Forgiving oneself for the issue at hand
Laws
SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES LAW
LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Intent of the Law
Purpose
Affected Entities
Related Legislation
Enforcement/Due
Process
Public Meeting
Fiscal Impact
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Office
Increase accountability among elected officials of the Nation.
Create a formal complaint process that allows for corrective actions against
elected officials who engage in misconduct.
The purpose of this law is to establish a consistent set of sanctions and penalties
that may be imposed upon elected officials of the Nation for misconduct in office
in order to provide an opportunity for the official to take corrective action to address
the misconduct and promote accountability and improved performance of the
official [1 O.C. 120.1-1].
All elected officials of the Nation; Any enrolled member of the Nation or employee
age eighteen (18) years and older who has knowledge that an official committed
misconduct; Oneida Business Committee; Judiciary Trial Court; Judiciary Court of
Appeals; Government Administrative Office.
Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure; Rules of Appellate Procedure; Code of
Ethics; Boards, Committees and Commissions law; Garnishment law; Per Capita
law; and any of the Nation’s laws and bylaws that may be violated by an official.
Sanctions and penalties against elected officials will be imposed by the Trial Court.
Officials accused of misconduct have the right to be represented by an attorney or
advocate. Officials also have the right to submit a written response to the complaint,
and an opportunity to appear at the hearing to answer the allegations and provide
evidence on their behalf. Complaints against officials must be proven by clear and
convincing evidence.
A public meeting for an earlier draft of this law was held on October 4, 2018. A
2nd public meeting for an updated draft was held on January 7, 2020.
A fiscal impact statement for an earlier draft of this law was prepared by the
Finance Department on December 27, 2018. An updated fiscal analysis was
prepared on January 20, 2020.
SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT
A. Request for Amendments. The request to develop a sanctions and penalties law was originally added
to the Legislative Operating Committee’s Active Files List in October of 2014, and has been carried
over for the last three legislative terms. When an elected official of the Nation commits misconduct
while in office, there are few remedies available for the Nation to discipline that official. Currently,
elected officials may be removed in accordance with the Removal Law. However, there may be
instances of misconduct that do not rise to the level of removal. In these cases, other remedies such as
verbal reprimands, fines, or suspensions may be more appropriate. This Law creates a formal complaint
process that gives members of the Nation, employees and entities an opportunity to file complaints
against elected officials while ensuring that due process rights for those accused are protected. This
Page 1 of 17
31 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Law also creates a range of potential sanctions and penalties for officials who violate the laws of the
Nation or commit other forms of misconduct.
B. 2016 Special Election Referendum. During the Special Election held on July 9, 2016, the following
referendum question was approved by a vote of 178 to 59: “Should the BC develop a law which provides
for sanctions and due process for elected officials?” The Election Law requires the Oneida Business
Committee to present referendum questions that receive a majority vote to the General Tribal Council
(GTC) for discussion and action [1 O.C. 102.12-9(c)].
C. Presentation to General Tribal Council. On March 17, 2019, this Law was presented to the General
Tribal Council for consideration. The General Tribal Council adopted a motion to defer this item for at
least sixty (60) days for GTC to have additional time to consider it and have input. As a result of General
Tribal Council’s directive, the LOC held six (6) additional community outreach events – in various
locations around the Reservation as well as in Milwaukee. Based on input received from community
members during the various outreach efforts, as well as the discussion during the March 17, 2019, GTC
Meeting, the LOC determined that the draft should be revised. The LOC intended to include this revised
Law on the July 2020 Semi-Annual General Tribal Council meeting agenda before all General Tribal
Council meetings were canceled due to COVID-19.
D. Elected Officials. This Law will apply to elected officials of the Nation, including members of the
following entities:
Chart 1. Elected Boards, Committees, and Commissions
ELECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS
Oneida Business Committee
Oneida Election Board
Oneida Gaming Commission
Oneida Land Claims Commission
Oneida Land Commission
Oneida Nation Commission on Aging (ONCOA)
Oneida Nation School Board
Oneida Trust Enrollment Committee
GTC Legal Resource Center Advocates and Attorney
*This law does not apply to members of appointed boards, members of the Judiciary or corporate
entities of the Nation.
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
SECTION 3. CONSULTATION AND OUTREACH
A. Representatives from the following departments or entities participated in the development of this Law
and this legislative analysis:
Oneida Business Committee;
Government Administrative Office;
Records Management Department;
Human Resources Department;
Intergovernmental Affairs and Communications Department;
Cultural Heritage Department;
Anna John Resident Centered Care Community Board (AJRCCC);
Oneida Election Board;
Page 2 of 17
32 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
Oneida Environmental Resource Board (ERB);
Oneida Gaming Commission;
Oneida Land Commission;
Oneida Police Commission;
Oneida Pow-wow Committee;
Oneida Trust Enrollment Committee, and
Oneida Nation Veterans Affairs Committee (ONVAC).
B. The following laws of the Nation were reviewed in the drafting of this legislative analysis:
Oneida Judiciary law;
Oneida Tribal Judiciary Canons of Judicial Conduct;
Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure;
Oneida Judiciary Rules of Appellate Procedure;
Removal law;
Code of Ethics;
Legal Resource Center law;
Open Meetings and Open Records law;
Boards, Committees and Commissions law;
Garnishment law; and
Per Capita law.
C. In addition, the following other laws were reviewed in drafting this analysis:
Ho Chunk Nation Code of Ethics 2 HCC 1;
Oglala Sioux Tribe Code of Ethics Ordinance No. 08-11;
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Ethics Code;
Rosebud Sioux Tribal Code of Ethics Ordinance 86-04;
Siletz Tribal Council Ethics Ordinance –Siletz Tribal Code 2.200;
Skokomish Code of Ethics S.T.C. 1.05; and
Pit River Tribal Government Code of Conduct Section 80.
D. Community Outreach Events. In addition to the public meeting(s) required by the Legislative
Procedures Act held on October 4, 2018, and January 7, 2020, the LOC held the following outreach
events on this legislation:
May 3, 2018: Community pot-luck meeting at Norbert Hill Center to gather community input.
July 11, 2019: Community outreach event held prior to GTC meeting at Radisson Conference
Center.
July 17, 2019: Community outreach held at Norbert Hill Center in Oneida.
August 9, 2019: Community outreach held at Veteran’s Breakfast in Oneida.
August 15, 2019: Community outreach held at Farmer’s Market in Oneida.
October 7, 2019: Community outreach held at Elder Congregate Meal site in Oneida.
October 16, 2019: Community outreach held at SEOTS Building in Milwaukee.
March 6, 2024: Community pot-luck meeting at the Norbert Hill Center to gather community
input.
84
85
86
Page 3 of 17
33 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
SECTION 4. PROCESS
A. Compliance with LPA. The development of the proposed Law complies with the process set forth in
the Legislative Procedures Act (LPA).
The law was originally added to the Active Files List on October 15, 2014.
On September 6, 2017, this Law was readded to the Active Files List for the 2017-2020 legislative
term.
On April 2, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the draft of this Law and direct
that a community meeting/potluck be held on May 3, 2018.
On June 6, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the draft of this Law and directed
that a legislative analysis be completed.
On July 18, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the legislative analysis for this
Law and deferred this item to a work meeting.
On August 15, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee approved the public meeting packet and
forwarded this Law to a public meeting to be held on September 20, 2018; and forwarded this Law
to the Finance Office for a fiscal analysis to be completed.
On September 10, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled,
Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties Law Public Meeting Packet. The requested action of this
e-poll was to approve the public meeting packet and forward the proposed Sanctions and Penalties
law to a public meeting to be held on October 4, 2018 – since the September 20, 2018, public
meeting on the proposed Law needed to be canceled due to the Kalihwisaks failing to publish the
public meeting notice in the September 6, 2018, edition. The e-poll was approved by David P.
Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, and Ernest Stevens III. Daniel Guzman King did not
provide a response to the e-poll.
On September 19, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee entered the e-poll results into the
record.
On October 4, 2018, a public meeting on the proposed law was held. Six (6) members of the
community attended the public meeting with three (3) people providing oral comments.
The public comment period was then held open until October 11, 2018. Four (4) submissions of
written comments were received during the public comment period.
On October 17, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the public meeting comments
and public meeting comment review memorandum and deferred this item to a work meeting.
On November 7, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the public comment review
memorandum and the updated draft.
On December 5, 2018, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the updated legislative
analysis, including the replacement of page 159 in the packet; and approved the fiscal impact
statement memorandum and forwarded the items to the Finance Department directing that a fiscal
impact statement of the proposed Law be prepared for inclusion on the January 2, 2019 Legislative
Operating Committee meeting agenda.
On January 7, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee approved the adoption packet for the
proposed Law and forwarded to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion on the tentatively
scheduled February 24, 2019, General Tribal Council meeting agenda for the General Tribal
Council’s consideration of adoption.
On January 18, 2019, the Oneida Business Committee approved the adoption packet for the Law
for consideration at the February 24, 2019, special GTC meeting.
Page 4 of 17
34 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
On January 29, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled, Approval
of the Sanctions and Penalties Law Kalihwisaks Article. The requested action of this e-poll was to
approve the article titled, “Sanctions and Penalties Law: GTC to Consider in February” and
forward the article to the Kalihwisaks for inclusion in the February 7, 2019, Kalihwisaks edition.
The e-poll was approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman King and Kirby
Metoxen. Ernest Stevens III did not provide a response to the e-poll.
On February 6, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee entered the results of the January 29,
2019, e-poll into the record.
On March 17, 2019, the proposed Law was presented to the General Tribal Council, and the General
Tribal Council decided to defer this Law for consideration for at least sixty (60) days for GTC to
have additional time to consider it and have input.
On June 19, 19, the Legislative Operating Committee approved the community outreach notice for
this Law with one noted change, and forwarded to the Kalihwisaks for publication in the July 3,
2019 Kalihwisaks edition.
On September 4, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee approved the community outreach
notice and article for this Law, and forwarded to the Kalihwisaks for publication in the September
19, 2019, edition.
On November 15, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled,
Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties Law Materials for the January 20, 2020, GTC Meeting.
The requested action of this e-poll was to approve the Sanctions and Penalties law materials and
forward to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion in the January 20, 2020, General Tribal
Council meeting packet materials. The e-poll was approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster,
Ernest Stevens III, and Daniel Guzman King. Kirby Metoxen did not provide a response to the epoll during the e-poll time frame.
On November 20, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee entered the November 15, 2019,
Sanction and Penalties Law material for the January 20, 2020, GTC Meeting E-Poll results into
record.
On November 26, 2019, the Oneida Business Committee deferred the Sanctions and Penalties law
materials back to the Legislative Operating Committee for consideration of today's discussion and
reformatting of the request to General Tribal Council.
On December 4, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee approved the January 20, 2020
General Tribal Council Meeting materials with one change and forwarded to the Oneida Business
Committee.
On December 4, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled,
Rescission of the December 4, 2019, LOC Motion Regarding the Sanctions and Penalties Law. The
requested action of this e-poll was to Rescind the December 4, 2019, Legislative Operating
Committee motion to “Approve the January 20, 2020, General Tribal Council meeting materials
and forward to the Oneida Business Committee.” The e-poll was approved by Ernest Stevens III,
Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, David P. Jordan. Daniel Guzman King did not provide a
response to the e-poll during the e-poll time frame.
On December 4, 2019, the Oneida Business Committee adopted the agenda with two (2) changes
[1) delete item IV.A.1. Accept the Sanctions and Penalties law materials and add to the tentatively
scheduled 2020 annual General Tribal Council meeting agenda; and 2) under New Business header,
item A. Cancel the December 26 and 27, 2019, Oneida Business Committee meetings).
Page 5 of 17
35 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
On December 10, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled,
Approval of January 7, 2020, Public Meeting for the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials
Law. The requested action of this e-poll was to approve the public meeting packet and forward the
Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials law to a public meeting to be held on January 7, 2020.
The e-poll was approved by Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, David P. Jordan, and Daniel
Guzman King. Ernest Stevens III did not provide a response.
On December 18, 2019, the Legislative Operating Committee entered into the record the December
4, 2019, E-poll results for the Sanctions and Penalties law – rescission of the December 4, 2019,
LOC action; and entered into the record the December 10, 2019, E-poll results for the Sanctions
and Penalties law – approval of a public meeting.
On January 7, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee held a public meeting on the proposed
Law. One (1) person provided oral comments during the public meeting.
The public comment period was held open until January 14, 2020. Two (2) submissions of written
comments were received during the public comment period.
On January 15, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee accepted the public comments and
public comment review memorandum and deferred these items to a work meeting for further
consideration.
On January 15, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee also conducted an e-poll entitled,
Approval of the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials Law Updated Materials and Fiscal
Impact Statement Request Memorandum. The requested action of this e-poll was to Approve the
updated public comment review memorandum, draft, legislative analysis, and fiscal impact
statement request memorandum, and forward the fiscal impact statement request memorandum,
with accompanying draft and legislative analysis, to the Finance Department directing that a fiscal
impact statement of the proposed Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials law be prepared and
submitted to the Legislative Operating Committee by January 20, 2020. The e-poll was approved
by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen. Daniel Guzman King
did not provide a response.
On January 21, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll entitled, Approval
of the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials Law Adoption Packet. The requested action of
this e-poll was to “Approve the adoption packet for the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials
law and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion on the tentative March 2020
Special General Tribal Council meeting agenda.” The e-poll was approved by David P. Jordan,
Jennifer Webster, Ernest Stevens III, Kirby Metoxen, and Daniel Guzman King.
On January 21, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an additional e-poll entitled,
Rescission of the January 21, 2020, LOC Motion Approving the Sanctions and Penalties for Elected
Officials Law Adoption Packet. The requested action of this e-poll was to “Rescind the January 21,
2020, Legislative Operating Committee motion to ‘Approve the adoption packet for the Sanctions
and Penalties for Elected Officials law and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for inclusion
on the tentative March 2020 Special General Tribal Council meeting agenda.’.” The e-poll was
approved by David P. Jordan, Jennifer Webster, Kirby Metoxen, Ernest Stevens III, Daniel Guzman
King.
On January 22, 2020, the Oneida Business Committee adopted the agenda with two (2) changes [1)
add item IV.C. Adopt resolution entitled Energy Infrastructure Deployment on Tribal Lands – 2020
Grant Proposal # DEFOA-0002168; and 2) delete item VIII.B.2. Accept the Sanctions and Penalties
Page 6 of 17
36 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
for Elected Officials law materials and add to the tentatively scheduled March 16, 2020, special
General Tribal Council meeting agenda].
On February 5, 2020, the Legislative Operating Committee entered into record the e-poll results:
Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials Law – Approve Updated Materials and Fiscal Impact
Statement Request; ratified the January 21, 2020, e-poll results into record; and enter into the record
the January 21, 2020, e-poll results for the rescission of the January 21, 2020, LOC motion
approving the Sanctions and Penalties for elected Officials Law adoption packet and forward to the
OBC for inclusion on the tentative March 2020 GTC meeting agenda.
On October 7, 2020, this Law was readded to the Active Files List for the 2020-2023 legislative
term.
On October 4, 2023, the Legislative Operating Committee added this Law its Active Files List for
the 2023-2026 legislative term.
On January 29, 2024, the Legislative Operating Committee conducted an e-poll titled, Approval of
the March 6, 2024 LOC Community Meeting Notice. The requested action of this e-poll was to
Approve the Legislative Operating Committee community meeting notice and schedule the
community meeting to take place on March 6, 2024. The Sanctions and Penalties law was a topic
for discussion included on this e-poll. This e-poll was unanimously approved.
On February 7, 2024, the Legislative Operating Committee to entered into the record the results of
the January 29, 2024, e-poll titled, Approval of the March 6, 2024, LOC Community Meeting
Notice.
B. Work Meetings. At the time this legislative analysis was developed, the following work meetings had
been held regarding the development of this Law and legislative analysis:
September 6, 2017: LOC work meeting.
November 1, 2017: LOC work meeting with representatives from the following boards, committees
and commissions: Police Commission, Trust Enrollment Committee, Election Board, Land
Commission, Oneida Gaming Commission, Pow-wow Committee. All boards, committees and
committees were invited to attend this work meeting.
December 6, 2017: LOC work meeting.
March 9, 2018: LOC work meeting.
March 16, 2018: LOC work meeting.
May 2, 2018: LRO work meeting.
May 3, 2018: Community pot-luck meeting with LOC, Oneida community members, Government
Administrative Office, and representatives from the following boards, committees and
commissions: Oneida Police Commission, Oneida Nation Veterans Affair Committee,
Environmental Resource Board, Anna John Resident Centered Care Community Board, and
Gaming Commission. All boards, committees and commissions were invited to attend this meeting.
May 11, 2018: LOC work meeting.
May 16, 2018: LOC work meeting.
July 9, 2018: Work meeting with Government Administrative Office.
August 1, 2018: LOC work meeting.
September 10, 2018: LOC work meeting.
October 17, 2018: LOC work meeting.
October 25, 2018: LOC work meeting.
November 30, 2018: LOC work meeting.
Page 7 of 17
37 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
December 20, 2018: Work meeting with Cultural Heritage.
January 2, 2019: LOC Work meeting.
January 24, 2019: LOC Work meeting.
February 4, 2019: LOC Work meeting.
February 6, 2019: LOC work meeting.
February 8, 2019: LOC work meeting.
February 14, 2019: LOC work meeting.
February 20, 2019: LOC work meeting.
March 1, 2019: LOC work meeting.
March 15, 2019: LOC work meeting.
March 20, 2019: LOC work meeting
March 28, 2019: LOC work meeting.
May 1, 2019: LOC work meeting.
June 13, 2019: LOC work meeting.
July 11, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center prior
to a GTC meeting.
July 17, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the Norbert Hill Center’s Business Committee
Conference room.
August 9, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the Veteran’s Breakfast.
August 15, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the Oneida Farmer’s Market.
August 21, 2019: LOC work meeting.
October 7, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the Elder Services Congregate Meal Site.
October 16, 2019: LOC work meeting.
October 18, 2019: LOC community outreach event at the SEOTS building in Milwaukee.
October 31, 2019: LOC work meeting.
November 6, 2019: LOC work meeting.
November 15, 2019: LOC work meeting.
November 19, 2019: LOC work meeting.
November 20, 2019: LOC work meeting.
November 26, 2019: LOC work meeting.
December 2, 2019: LOC work meeting.
December 4, 2019: LOC work meeting.
December 9, 2019: LOC work meeting.
January 8, 2020: LOC work meeting with the Communications Department.
January 14, 2020: OBC work meeting.
January 15, 2020: LOC work meeting.
January 20, 2020: LOC work meeting.
December 6, 2023: LOC work meeting.
March 6, 2024: LOC work meeting.
March 6, 2024: LOC community outreach event at the Norbert Hill Center’s cafeteria.
March 20, 2024: LOC work session.
January 10, 2025: LOC work session with Oneida Business Committee.
February 19, 2025: LOC work session.
Page 8 of 17
38 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
SECTION 5. CONTENTS OF THE LEGISLATION.
A. What Qualifies as Misconduct. The Oneida Nation expects elected officials to uphold high standards
of conduct. [1 O.C. 120.4-1]. Officials who engage in misconduct may be subject to sanctions and
penalties. [1 O.C. 120.4-2]. Under this Law, the definition of misconduct is very broad and includes
any of the following:
Violating the Oneida Constitution or any law, policy or rule of the Oneida Nation. [1 O.C. 120.42(a)].
Examples include the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest law.
Violating the bylaws or standard operating procedures of the entity the official serves on. [1 O.C.
120.4-2(b)].
Being convicted of a felony under federal or Wisconsin law, or being convicted of a crime
elsewhere that would be considered a felony in the state of Wisconsin or the United States. [1 O.C.
120.4-2(c)].
B. Filing a Complaint.
Who Can File a Complaint? Under this Law, any enrolled member of the Nation or employee of
the Nation age eighteen (18) years or older can file a complaint, so long as they have knowledge or
reason to believe that an official has committed misconduct. [1 O.C. 120.5-1]. Entities of the
Nation, such as a board, committee or commission, can also file complaints against elected
officials. Id.
When to File Complaint? The complaint must be filed within sixty (60) days of when the alleged
misconduct occurred or was discovered [1 O.C. 120.5-2].
Contents of the Complaint. Complaints must include the following information [1 O.C. 120.5-3]:
Information about the official, including the official’s name and the entity they serve on.
Information about the alleged misconduct, including date, time, location and specific
details.
The specific law, policy, rule or bylaw that the official violated.
Information about any witnesses or others with knowledge of the violation.
Contact information of the individual filing the complaint.
Supporting documents and any other information required by the Oneida Judiciary Rules
of Civil Procedure. [8 O.C. 803.5-1].
Where to File Complaints? Complaints against elected officials are filed with the Trial Court, with
is located within the Oneida Judiciary. [1 O.C. 120.5-4].
Retaliation. Retaliation against someone who files a complaint or cooperates with a misconduct
investigation is not allowed. [1 O.C. 120.5-5].
C. Complaint Procedure. Complaints against elected officials will be heard by the Nation’s Trial Court.
[1 O.C. 120.6-1]. The law outlines the process for how the Judiciary will hear the complaint:
Right to an Attorney or Advocate. Any official who has been accused of misconduct has the right
to be represented by an attorney or an advocate, at their own expense. [1 O.C. 120.6-2].
Legal Resource Center. The Legal Resource Center law established an office, the Legal
Resource Center, to provide legal advice and representation to Tribal members and
employees in cases before the Judiciary. [8 O.C. 811.1-1].
Burden of Proof. The burden of proof for allegations made under this law is “clear and convincing
evidence.” [1 O.C. 120.6-3]. This is the same standard the Nation uses in misconduct cases against
judges in the Oneida Judiciary. [8 O.C. 801.12-6(c)].
Page 9 of 17
39 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
This means that the person filing the complaint must provide evidence “indicating that the
[allegation] to be proved is highly probably or reasonably certain” [Black’s Law
Dictionary]. This is a greater burden than “preponderance of the evidence,” the standard
in most civil trials, but less than evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is used for
criminal trials.
Confidentiality. All complaints against officials of the nation will be handled confidentially, with
hearings and proceedings regarding the complaint closed to the public. [1 O.C. 120.6-4]. Records
of the hearings will be kept confidential. [120.6-4(b)]. However, the final decision of the Judiciary
and any sanctions and penalties imposed against an official will be public information. Id.
Judiciary Law. The Judiciary law states that proceedings of the court are open to the public
except for peacemaking, mediation, proceedings where the judge has safety or
confidentiality concerns, or “if expressly prohibited by law.” [8 O.C. 801.4-4].
D. Hearings Under Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure. All hearings under this law must follow
the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure. [8 O.C. 803]. The following is a brief overview of how
a civil case is processed by the Trial Court using the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure. For
more detailed information regarding the trial court process, see the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil
Procedure in the Nation’s Code of Laws.
Petitioner Files a Complaint with the Trial Court and Pays Filing Fee. The Trial Court has a
standard complaint form with instructions to fill out the complaint.
Complaint. At the time this analysis was drafted, the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil
Procedure require the complaint to include the full name and address of the plaintiff and
defendant, why the defendant is being sued, facts supporting each claim, why the trial court
has jurisdiction, specifically what relief is sought from the defendant, and a summons. [8
O.C. 803.5-1].
Filing Fee. The Oneida Judiciary Trial Court currently charges a fifty dollar ($50) filing
fee to file a general civil case. However, individuals may request a fee waiver from the
court for the following reasons: unemployed, health/medical, or below poverty level.
Summons: A summons is a document ordering a defendant to appear before a judge. The
Trial Court has a standard summons form. [8 O.C. 803.3-1(oo), 803.5-2].
Complaint and Summons are served on Official. The complaint and summons must be delivered to
the elected official within thirty (30) days after the complaint is filed. [8 O.C. 803.5-3]. In addition,
for complaints against officials, notice must also be served to the Secretary’s office. Id. The
petitioner must provide proof to the Court that the complaint and summons were delivered to the
defendant within ten (10) days of delivery. [8 O.C. 803.5-3(b)]. If proof of service is not completed,
then the case will be dismissed. [8 O.C. 803.5-3(c)].
Official Files an Answer. The official responds to the complaint by filing an answer. [8 O.C. 803.72(b)]. The official can either admit to or deny the allegations made in the complaint and provide
defenses to each claim made in the complaint [8 O.C. 803.7].
Pre-Trial Meeting. A pre-trial meeting may be scheduled between the judge, petitioner and
defendant. [8 O.C. 803.12-1]. The purpose for this meeting could include preparing for the trial,
creating a plan regarding discovery, or facilitating a settlement, such as peacemaking [8 O.C.
803.12].
Page 10 of 17
40 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
Hearing. Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure,
which may include opening statements, presentation of the parties’ cases, rebuttals and closing
statements [8 O.C. 803.38].
Judgment. If the Trial Court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that there is enough
evidence to substantiate the allegations of misconduct by the official, then the Trial Court will
impose any sanctions and penalties that they deem appropriate. [1 O.C. 120.6-5]. If the Trial Court
does not find there is clear and convincing evidence to support the allegations, the complaint will
be dismissed. Id.
Appeals. Both the official accused of misconduct and the individual who filed the complaint have
the right to appeal the decision of the Trial Court to the Court of Appeals. [1 O.C. 120.6-6; 8 O.C.
803.39-1]. The appeal must be filed with the Court of Appeals in accordance with the Oneida
Judiciary Rules of Appellate Procedure. Id.
Timeline for Appeal. Appeals of judgments of the Trial Court must be filed with the Court
of Appeals within thirty (30) days after the judgment was rendered. [8 O.C 805.5-2(a)].
Chart 2. Complaint Process Against Elected Officials – Overview of Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil
Procedure.
Petitioner files
complaint with Trial
Court and pays filing
fee
Hearing
Court issues a
summons
Court issues
judgment
Petitioner arranges
for service of
complaint and
summons on official
Official files answer
to the complaint
Court may order
pre‐trial meeting
. . ..___H.___
No, official did not
engage in Misconduct
Complaint is
dismissed
Individual who filed
complaint may
appeal to Court of
Appeals
Yes, official engaged
in misconduct
Trial Court selects
appropriate
sanction(s) or
penalty
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
may appeal
- toOfficial
Court of Appeals
,
E. Sanctions and Penalties. This Law includes a list of sanctions and penalties that may be imposed on
an official for misconduct in office. [1 O.C. 120.4-1, 120.7-2]. The Trial Court is responsible for
imposing sanctions and penalties on an elected official. [1 O.C. 120.7-3].
Conditional Penalties. Sanctions and penalties may be imposed on a conditional basis. [1
O.C.120.7-4]. For example, an official could be ordered to make a public apology and attend
mandatory training, or otherwise face suspension.
Page 11 of 17
41 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
Failure to Comply. If an official fails to comply with a sanction or penalty imposed against them,
that official can face additional sanctions as a result of additional misconduct complaints under this
Law. [1 O.C. 120.7-6]. An example would be an official failing to pay a fine, failing to attend
mandatory training or violating the terms of their suspension .
Chart 3. List of Potential Sanctions and Penalties for Elected Officials.
Potential Sanctions and Penalties:
Verbal Reprimand
Public Apology
Written Reprimand
Suspension
Restitution
Fines
Loss of Stipend
Mandatory Training
Removal, in accordance with Removal Law
Verbal Reprimand. During an Oneida Business Committee or General Tribal Council meeting,
the Nation’s chairperson will read the following statement: [Insert name of official] who serves on
[Insert name of entity] is receiving this reprimand because they have been found by the Nation’s
Judiciary to have engaged in misconduct. High standards of conduct amongst officials of the Nation
are essential to the conduct of government. [Insert name of official’s] behavior did not rise to the
high standards of conduct that is expected of the Nation’s elected officials. The following are the
findings from the Trial Count regarding [Insert name of official’s] misconduct: [identify the
judicial findings regarding the misconduct.] Any future misconduct may result in the imposition of
additional sanctions or penalties. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(a)].
Public Apology. An official may be ordered to make a public apology at an Oneida Business
Committee or General Tribal Council meeting. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(b)]. The apology is required to
identify the judicial findings regarding the official’s misconduct and include a “clear and
unambiguous” apology. Id.
Written Reprimand. The Judiciary Trial Court may publish a written reprimand in the Nation’s
official media outlets. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(c)]. Resolution BC-02-22-17-B, Identifying Official Oneida
Media Outlets, identifies the Nation’s official media outlets as the Oneida Nation website and the
Kalihwisaks newspaper. The written reprimand will include the same information as a verbal
reprimand. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(c)(1)].
Suspension. The Trial Court may suspend part-time officials for up to two (2) meetings. [1 O.C.
120.7-2(d)].Full-time officials, such as members of the Oneida Business Committee or Oneida
Gaming Commission, may be suspended for up to fifteen (15) business days. Id. During a
suspension, the official cannot attend meetings, trainings, or conferences. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(d)(1)(A)(B)]. The official also cannot vote or perform work for the entity. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(d)(1)(C)-(D)].
In addition, the official cannot earn any stipends, salary, or mileage during the suspension. [1 O.C.
120.7-2(d)(1)(E)].
Multiple Suspensions on One Entity. If multiple officials on the same entity are suspended
at the same time, the suspensions may be imposed on a staggered basis so that the business
Page 12 of 17
42 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
of the Nation is not interrupted. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(d)(3)]. For example, if multiple members
of the Oneida Business Committee are suspended, each member could be suspended one
at a time on a staggered basis.
Restitution. An official can be ordered to pay restitution, which means paying back any improperly
received benefit, such as returning funds or paying to replace damaged property. [1 O.C. 120.72(e)].The point of restitution is to make someone whole.
Fines. An official can be ordered to pay a fine for each act of misconduct. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(f)].
Unlike restitution, a fine is a punishment. The maximum amount of each fine is two thousand five
hundred dollars ($2,500). Id.
Fine Process. All fines are paid to the Trial Court and deposited into the Nation’s General
Fund. [120.7-2(f)(1)]. Officials must pay their fine within ninety (90) days after the fine is
issued or upheld on final appeal. [I O.C. 120.7-2(f)(3)].If the fine is not paid on time, the
Nation may collect the money through garnishment or attachment of the official’s per
capita payment. Id.
Community Service Alternative. An official can complete community service to make up
all or part of their fine. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(f)(2)]. The rate earned for community service is
the Nation’s minimum wage rate. The Nation currently allows community service for fines
issued in the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping law and Curfew law for examples. [4 O.C.
406.10-5(a), 3 O.C. 308.7-1(b)].
Loss of Stipend. An official may lose their stipend for up to two (2) meetings. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(g)].
Members of elected boards may receive up to twenty-four (24) meeting stipends per year, so this
could amount to the loss of approximately one (1) month’s stipends for a member of a board that
meets twice monthly [1 O.C. 105.13-3(b)].
Mandatory Training. An official can be ordered to complete a mandatory training program to
address their behavior. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(h)]. Examples include anger management or sexual
harassment training.
Removal. The Trial Court can recommend that the removal process be initiated for an official in
accordance with the Removal Law. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(i)]. However, this would only be a
recommendation and identification that the standards for removal have been met. The Removal
Law provides a strict process that must be followed to remove elected officials. [1 O.C. 104].
Removal Law Process. In order to remove an elected official, an eligible voter must file a
petition with the Secretary signed by at least fifty eligible voters or thirty percent (30%) of
the vote cast in the previous general election, whichever is greater. [1 O.C. 104.5-1]. For
example, the number of votes cast in the 2017 general election was one thousand six
hundred and twelve (1,612), so the number of signatures needed to initiate removal is
approximately four hundred and eighty-four (484). Then, the Judiciary conducts a
preliminary review to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for removal. [1 O.C.
104.6-1]. If sufficient grounds exist, the Judiciary holds a hearing. [1 O.C. 104.7]. If the
Judiciary determines that sufficient grounds for removal has been proven by clear and
convincing evidence, the findings are forwarded to the Nation’s Chairperson, who
schedules a General Tribal Council meeting. [1 O.C. 104.7-3, 104.8-1]. At the General
Tribal Council meeting, an elected official may be removed from office after a two-thirds
(2/3) majority vote. [1 O.C. 104.8-3].
Page 13 of 17
43 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
F. Factors in Determining Appropriate Sanction and/or Penalty. The Trial Court may consider the
following when deciding which sanction or penalty to impose:
How severe the misconduct was, whether it was intentional, and how likely the official is to repeat
the misconduct.
The damage to the finances or reputation of the Nation, the entity, or any person or organization.
Whether the official has expressed remorse and is willing to take steps to correct the harm done.
Whether any prior complaints have been filed against the official. For example, whether this is the
first complaint against the official or represents a pattern of behavior. [1 O.C. 120.7-3].
G. Civil Liability and Criminal Prosecution. In addition to the sanctions and penalties in this law, an
official who commits misconduct may also experience other consequences. [1 O.C. 120.7-5]. These
include:
Removal from office in accordance with the Removal law. [1 O.C. 120.7-5(a)].
Criminal prosecution, if the official violated a criminal law. [1 O.C. 120.7-5(b)]. For example,
criminal charges for theft or violent acts.
Civil liability, in accordance with any applicable law of any jurisdiction. [1 O.C. 120.7-5(c)]. For
example, a lawsuit for damages.
Any other penalties listed in another law of the Oneida Nation. [1 O.C. 120.7-5(d)].
For example, a violation of the Technology Resources law may result in loss of access to
the Nation’s computer resources. [2 O.C. 215.10-1].
H. Effect of Resignation by an Official. If an official resigns from office after a complaint has been filed,
that complaint will still be investigated, and sanctions and penalties may still be pursued. [1 O.C.120.8].
Resigning from office does not end or prevent an investigation.
I. Record of Conduct. A record of conduct for each official will be maintained by the Judiciary. [1 O.C.
120.9-1]. The record of conduct maintained for each official will include copies of complaints filed
against the official, recordings and transcripts from any hearings or proceedings, outcomes of the
complaints, and any sanctions and penalties the official received. [1 O.C. 120.9-2]. This record is
required to bee maintained for at least seven (7) years. [1 O.C. 120.9-3].
Public Access to Record of Conduct. The record of conduct maintained by the Judiciary will only
be made available for review to the Judiciary. [1 O.C. 120.9-1]. The purpose of the record of
conduct is so that the Trial Court can review previous complaints against the official when
determining a potential sanction or penalty. [1 O.C. 120.7-3(h))].
Public Access to Judiciary Decisions. However, the decisions of the Judiciary regarding a
complaint against an elected official and any sanctions and penalties imposed against an official
will be public information. [1 O.C. 120.6-4(b)].
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
SECTION 6. EFFECT ON EXISTING LEGISLATION
A. References to the Other Laws of the Nation: The following laws of the Nation are referenced in this
law. This law does not conflict with any of the referenced laws.
Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure. The Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure governs
all civil actions that fall under the jurisdiction of the Nation. [8 O.C. 803.1-1]. The Oneida Judiciary
Rules of Civil Procedure provides a consistent set of rules governing the process for civil claims,
in order to ensure equal and fair treatment to all persons who come before the Trial Court to have
their disputes resolved. [8 O.C. 803.1-2].
Page 14 of 17
44 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
Complaints against an official shall be filed with the Nation’s Trial Court in accordance with
the Oneida Judiciary Rules of Civil Procedure. [1 O.C. 120.5-4].
Rules of Appellate Procedure. The Rules of Appellate Procedure govern the procedure in all actions
and proceedings in the divisions that make up the Court of Appeals within the Judiciary that fall
under the jurisdiction of the Nation. [8 O.C. 805.1-1]. The Rules of Appellate Procedure are to be
liberally construed to ensure a speedy, fair., and inexpensive determination of every appeal. [8 O.C.
805.1-2].
Appeals of the Trial Court’s decision shall be filed pursuant to the Nation’s Rules of Appellate
Procedure. [1 O.C. 120.6-6].
Garnishment Law. The Garnishment law exercises the authority of the Nation to provide an
effective mechanism for creditors to access an employee’s income for reduction of personal debt.
[2 O.C. 2010.1-1]. It is the policy of the Garnishment law to afford all individuals due process. [2
O.C. 2010.1-2].
If an official is ordered to pay a fine in accordance with this law and does not pay according to
the deadline, the Trial Court may seek to collect that fine through the Nation’s garnishment
process [120.7-2(f)(3)].
Per Capita Law. The purpose of the Per Capita law is to specify the procedure to be followed in
the event that per capita payments are distributed by the Nation; and to clearly state the
responsibilities of the various Oneida entities in the distribution or maintenance of any such per
capita payment. [1 O.C. 123.1-1].
If an official is ordered to pay a fine in accordance with this law and does not pay according to
the deadline, the Trial Court may seek to collect that fine through the Nation’s per capita
attachment process [1 O.C. 120.7-2(f)(3)].
Removal Law. The purpose of the Removal law is to govern the removal of persons elected to
serve on boards, committees and commissions of the Nation. [1 O.C. 104.1-1]. It is the policy of
the Removal law to provide an orderly and fair process for the removal of persons elected to serve
on boards, committees and commissions. [1 O.C. 104.1-2].
The Trial Court may recommend that the process for removing an elected official as contained
in the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal be initiated as a sanction for
misconduct. [1 O.C. 120.7-2(i)].
The imposition of sanctions and/or penalties in accordance with this law does not exempt an
official from individual liability for the underlying misconduct, and does not limit any penalties
that may be imposed in accordance with other applicable laws, such as removal in accordance
with the Nation’s laws and/or policies governing removal. [1 O.C. 120.7-5].
SECTION 7. EFFECTS ON EXISTING RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, OR OBLIGATIONS
A. Due Process. Officials accused of misconduct have the right to be represented by an attorney or
advocate. [1 O.C. 120.6-2].Officials also have the right to submit a written response to the complaint, and
an opportunity to appear at the investigatory hearing to answer the allegations, provide witness testimony,
documents and evidence on their behalf. [8 O.C. 803]. Complaints against officials must be proven by clear
and convincing evidence. [1 O.C. 120.6-3].
Page 15 of 17
45 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
SECTION 8. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
A. Complaints against Judiciary. The Judiciary law already contains a process for the reprimand,
suspension, and removal of judges for willful misconduct in office, including a hearing and complaint
procedure. [8 O.C. 801.12]. Therefore, this law does not apply to members of the Judiciary. [1 O.C.
120.1-1(a)].
B. Judiciary Conflicts of Interest. The Oneida Tribal Judiciary Canons of Judicial Conduct requires a
Judge to withdraw from any matter where the Judge has or could be perceived to have a conflict of
interest. [8 O.C. 802.2-2]. Violating the Oneida Tribal Judiciary Canons of Judicial Conduct would be
grounds for reprimand under the Nation’s Judiciary law
C. Complaints Against Appointed Officials. This law applies to elected officials only. Appointed officials
are appointed by the Oneida Business Committee in accordance with the Boards, Committees and
Commissions law and serve at the Oneida Business Committee’s discretion. [1 O.C. 105.7]. If an
appointed official commits misconduct in office, termination of appointment may be recommended by
a member of the Oneida Business Committee, or by the entity the official serves on. [1 O.C. 105.7-4].
An appointed official may have their appointment terminated by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the
Oneida Business Committee [1 O.C. 105.7-4(a)].
D. Code of Ethics. Most other tribal, municipal, and state governments place sanctions and penalties
within their Code of Ethics law. This makes sense, as the Code of Ethics and Sanctions and Penalties
are closely related. The Code of Ethics is currently on the LOC’s Active Files List for potential
amendments. Updating the Code of Ethics would provide additional guidance to elected officials,
individuals filing complaints, and the Judiciary when they begin hearing complaints under this law.
E. Comparison to Other Nations. Research of other tribal nations indicate that there are many different
processes for sanctions and penalties of public officials. There is no uniform standard used by all tribal
governments. Examples of other sanctions and penalties processes are provided for information:
Chart 4. Sanctions and Penalties Process of other Tribal Nations
Tribe
Where Complaints Are Who Investigates or Who Decides the
Filed
Hears the Complaint
Sanction or Penalty
Oneida Nation
Judiciary
Judiciary
Judiciary
(proposed)
Siletz
Tribal Council*
Ho Chunk
Judiciary
Ad Hoc Committee or
Special Advisor
appointed by Tribal
Council*
Judiciary
Tribal Council*
President
Tribal Council*
Ethics Commission,
Ethics Commission,
appointed by Tribal
appointed by Tribal
Council*
Council*
Skokomish
Ethics Officer,
Ethics Officer,
Chairman
appointed by Tribal
appointed by Tribal
Council*
Council*
*Note that “Tribal Council” refers to an elected body similar to the Oneida Business Committee.
Rosebud Sioux
609
610
611
612
F. Number of Potential Complaints. Since the Nation currently has no formal sanctions and penalties
process, it is not possible to predict the number of complaints that may be filed against elected officials.
Page 16 of 17
46 of 51
Analysis to Draft 6
2025 03 05
613
Conclusion: Given the uncertainty regarding the number of potential complaints, the Judiciary
614
should be prepared to possibly process a large number of complaints upon passage of this law.
615
G. Impact of Suspension on Full-Time Officials. Members of the Oneida Business Committee and
616
Oneida Gaming Commission are full-time elected officials. Therefore, suspension of these officials
617
would impact salaries, benefits such as health insurance, and access to workplaces. The Human
618
Resources Department reports that they have a suspension procedure in place for employees of the
619
Nation, and that this procedure could be applied or modified for suspension of full-time officials.
620
Conclusion: Since notifications of suspension go to the Human Resources Department, it is
621
suggested that the Human Resources Department develop a process should suspensions of full622
time Oneida Business Committee members or Oneida Gaming Commissioners occur.
623
H. Fiscal Impact. Under the Legislative Procedures Act, a fiscal impact statement is required for all
624
legislation except emergency legislation [1 O.C. 109.6-1]. Oneida Business Committee resolution BC625
10-28-20-A titled, “Further Interpretation of ‘Fiscal Impact Statement’ in the Legislative Procedures
626
Act,” provides further clarification on who the Legislative Operating Committee may direct complete
627
a fiscal impact statement at various stages of the legislative process, as well as timeframes for
628
completing the fiscal impact statement.
629
Conclusion. A fiscal impact statement for an earlier draft of this law was prepared by the Finance
630
Department on December 27, 2018. An updated fiscal analysis was prepared on January 20, 2020.
631
Please see the fiscal impact statements for further information.
632
Page 17 of 17
LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE
47 of 51
COMMUNITY
WORK SESSION
:('1(6'$<APRIL 2
12030130
125%(57+,//&(17(5
♦♦♦♦♦♦
BC CONFERENCE ROOM
3OHDVH MRLQ WKH /HJLVODWLYH 2SHUDWLQJ &RPPLWWHH
/2& IRU D FRPPXQLW\ ZRUN VHVVLRQ WR UHYLHZ WKH
IROORZLQJ SURSRVHG ODZ DQG JDWKHU LQSXW UHJDUGLQJ
WKLVQHZODZ fRUWKH1DWLRQ
16HPLQDU\5G2QHLGD:,
SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES LAW
7KHSXUSRVHRIWKH6DQFWLRQVDQG3HQDOWLHVODZLVWRHVWDEOLVKDFRQVLVWHQWVHWRIVDQFWLRQVDQGSHQDOWLHVWKDWPD\EHLPSRVHGXSRQ
HOHFWHGRIILFLDOVRIWKH1DWLRQIRUPLVFRQGXFWLQRIILFHLQRUGHUWRSURYLGHDQRSSRUWXQLW\IRUWKHRIILFLDOWRWDNHFRUUHFWLYHDFWLRQWR
DGGUHVVWKHPLVFRQGXFWDQGSURPRWHDFFRXQWDELOLW\DQGLPSURYHGSHUIRUPDQFHRIWKHRIILFLDO
$ FRS\ RI WKH SURSRVHG 6DQFWLRQV DQG 3HQDOWLHV ODZ FDQ EH IRXQG DW KWWSVRQHLGDQVQJRYJRYHUQPHQWUHJLVWHUSXEOLFPHHWLQJV
5HJLVWHU DW /2&#RQHLGDQDWLRQRUJ IRU D 0LFURVRIW 7HDPV LQYLWH 7KH /2& HQFRXUDJHV HYHU\RQH WR FRPH SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH
OHJLVODWLYHSURFHVVE\SURYLGLQJFRPPHQWVVXJJHVWLRQVDQGTXHVWLRQVWKDWWKH/2&FDQFRQVLGHUDQGXWLOL]HLQWKHGHYHORSPHQWRI
WKis QHZODZ IRUWKH1DWLRQ
)RRGIURPWKH2QHLGD&DQQHU\ZLOOEHSURYLGHGGXULQJWKLVFRPPXQLW\HYHQW
♦♦♦♦♦♦
LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jameson
Wilson
LOC Chairman
Kirby Metoxen
Marlon
Skenandore
Jennifer
Webster
Jonas Hill
48 of 51
Oneida Nation
Oneida Business Committee
Legislative Operating Committee
O Bo ͛͞͝ Ȉ Oneida, WI 54155-0365
Oneida-nsn.gov
"
GDDDDO
ONEIDA
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
February 19, 2025
1) Request Date: _____________________________________________________
Trina Schuyler
2) Contact Person(s): ______________________________________
Child Support
Dept:____________________________
920-490-3872
tschuyle@oneidanation.org
Phone Number:_________________________
Email: __________________________________
General Welfare Law Amendment
3) Agenda Title:___________________________________________________________________
4) Detailed description of the item and the reason/justification it is being brought before the LOC:
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Oneida Nation Child Support Agency is requesting to amend the
General Welfare Law Ch. 1001 to allow these distributions to tribal
_______________________________________________________________________________
membership be withheld for those who owe past due child support and
arrears to custodial parents and caregivers and be distributed
_______________________________________________________________________________
appropriately
_______________________________________________________________________________
List any supporting materials included and submitted with the Agenda Request Form
Memo to GM 2-19-25
1) ________________________________
3) ________________________________
2) ________________________________
4) ________________________________
5) Please list any laws, policies or resolutions that might be affected:
General Welfare Law Ch. 1001 and Child Support Law Ch. 704
_______________________________________________________________________________
6) Please list all other departments or person(s) you have brought your concern to:
Human Services Division Director and General Manager
______________________________________________________________________________
7) Do you consider this request urgent?
[i] Yes
□ No
If yes, please indicate why:
Families supporting children require immediate assistance and this outstanding debt deserves urgent attention.
________________________________________________________________
I, the undersigned, have reviewed the attached materials, and understand that they are subject to action by
the Legislative Operating Committee.
Signature of Requester:
Trina Schuyler
Date: 2025.02.19 17:11:33 -06'00'
__________________________________________________________________________
Digitally signed by Trina Schuyler
Please send this form and all supporting materials to:
LOC@oneidanation.org
or
Legislative Operating Committee (LOC)
P.O. Box 365
Oneida, WI 54155
Phone 920-869-4376
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
49 of 51
Oneida Nation
Child Support Agency
"
GDDDCJD;
ONEIDA
Memo
To:
Mark Powless, General Manager
From:
Trina Schuyler, Child Support Director
cc:
Tina Jorgensen, GSD Director
Date:
1-14-25
Re:
GWE Law Amendment Needed
The General Welfare Exclusion Law currently prohibits the garnishment or assignment of tribal
member’s general welfare assistance payments for child support arrears. Previous to the Covid19 pandemic tribal per capita was garnished for child support arrears, until the General Welfare
Exclusion law was adopted through emergency on 8-12-20 and then fully adopted on 12-8-21.
According to 1001.1-2, it is the policy of the Nation to provide assistance to members through
approved programs that promote the general welfare of the Nation. This law provides a
framework for approved programs to follow to ensure compliance with the General Welfare
Exclusion, 26 U.S.C. §139E, and applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations or revenue
procedures including I.R.S. Rev. Proc. 2014-35.
The Oneida Nation Child Support law 704.1-1(a) was created to: (a) Establish the legal
responsibility of parents to provide financially for their children’s general well-being.
The following shows the amount paid to families from per capita attachment for the past five
years before the General Welfare Law was adopted.
2015-$712,319
2016-$511,842
2017-$652,370
2018-$628,274
2019-$642,202
Totaling $3,147,007 that went directly to care for Oneida Nation children.
Since the General Welfare Law was established that prohibited attachment for child support
arrears, the result has been $0 for payments paid to families for child support arrears from the
General Welfare distribution payments. Without withholding the General Welfare payment for
these children, families are finding it much harder to provide for these children. This has proven
detrimental to these families as often; this was the only payment received all year.
50 of 51
As of September 30, 2024, Oneida Nation Child Support has 2,815 cases with 54% having
arrears owed totaling $14,204,903.
Of these 1,526 (54%) cases, each have at least one child. Exact number of children per case is
being gathered at this time, however projections suggest at least 2,000 children are negatively
affected each year from not being able to intercept the General Welfare payments.
The agency is not requesting to include the GWE payment as income for child support
calculation, only to re-direct distributions to care-givers whom arrears are owed for the general
welfare of our Nation’s children.
A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.
~
ONEIDA
51 of 51
March 2025
March 2025
April 2025
SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa
SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Mar 3
4
5
6
7
11:00am Vendor
Licensing - work
meeting (Microsoft
Teams Meeting;
BC_Exec_Conf_Room) Carolyn A. Salutz
9:00am Higher Education
Grant Law/Rule
(BC_Exec_Conf_Room) Grace L. Elliott
8:30am LOC Prep Meeting
(Microsoft Teams
Meeting) - Clorissa N.
9:00am Legislative
Operating Committee
Meeting (Microsoft
5:30pm LOC
COMMUNITY
10
11
12
13
14
12:15pm PUBLIC
MEETING: Oneida
Nation Law
Enforcement
Ordinance
Amendments and
Landlord Tenant
Amendments
17
18
19
20
8:30am LOC Prep Meeting
(Microsoft Teams
9:00am Legislative
Operating Committee
1:30pm Public Use of
Tribal Land Law
3:00pm LOC Work
Session
3:00pm Indian Preference
in Contracting Law
Amendments
(Microsoft Teams
Meeting) - Clorissa N.
Leeman
21
24
25
26
27
28
31
Apr 1
2
3
4
10:00am Recycling and
Solid Waste - work
meeting (Microsoft
Teams Meeting) Carolyn A. Salutz
LOC
1
2/28/2025 4:11 PM
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.