Title 25—Indians--Volume 1
PART 516—TESTIMONY OF COMMISSIONERS AND EMPLOYEES AND FORMER COMMISSIONERS AND FORMER EMPLOYEES RESPECTING OFFICIAL DUTIES; RESPONSE TO SUBPOENA
§ 516.1   What is the purpose of this part and to whom does it apply?
(a) The purpose of this part is to promulgate regulations regarding the release of official National Indian Gaming Commission information and provision of testimony by National Indian Gaming Commission personnel with respect to litigation or potential litigation and to prescribe conduct on the part of National Indian Gaming Commission personnel in response to a litigation-related request or demand.
(b) This part applies to requests or demands that are litigation-related or otherwise arise out of judicial, administrative or other legal proceedings (including subpoena, order or other demand) for interview, testimony (including by deposition) or other statement, or for production of documents relating to the business of the National Indian Gaming Commission, whether or not the National Indian Gaming Commission or the United States is a party to the litigation. It does not, however, apply to document requests covered by 25 CFR parts 515 and 517.
(c) To the extent the request or demand seeks official information or documents, the provisions of this part are applicable to Commissioners, employees, and former Commissioners and former employees, of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
§ 516.2   When may a person to whom this part applies give testimony, make a statement or submit to interview?
(a) No person to whom this part applies, except as authorized by the Chairman or the General Counsel pursuant to this regulation, shall provide testimony, make a statement or submit to interview.
(b) Whenever a subpoena commanding the giving of any testimony has been lawfully served upon a person to whom this part applies, such individual shall, unless otherwise authorized by the Chairman or the General Counsel, appear in response thereto and respectfully decline to testify on the grounds that it is prohibited by this regulation.
(c) A person who desires testimony or other statement from any person to whom this part applies may make written request therefor, verified by oath, directed to the Chairman setting forth his or her interest in the matter to be disclosed and designating the use to which such statement or testimony will be put in the event of compliance with such request: provided, that a written request therefor by an official of any federal, state or tribal entity, acting in his or her official capacity need not be verified by oath. If it is determined by the Chairman or the General Counsel that such statement or testimony will be in the public interest, the request may be granted. Where a request for a statement or testimony is granted, one or more persons to whom this part applies may be authorized or designated to appear and testify or give a statement with respect thereto.
§ 516.3   When may a person to whom this part applies produce records?
(a) Any request for records of the National Indian Gaming Commission shall be handled pursuant to the procedures established in 25 CFR parts 515 and 517 and shall comply with the rules governing public disclosure as provided in 25 CFR parts 515 and 517.
(b) Whenever a subpoena duces tecum commanding the production of any record has been lawfully served upon a person to whom this part applies, such person shall forward the subpoena to the General Counsel. If commanded to appear in response to any such subpoena, a person to whom this part applies shall respectfully decline to produce the record on the ground that production is prohibited by this part and state that the production of the record(s) of the National Indian Gaming Commission is a matter to be determined by the Chairman or the General Counsel.
§ 516.4   How are records certified or authenticated?
(a) Upon request, the person having custody and responsibility for maintenance of records which are to be released under this part or 25 CFR parts 515 or 517 may certify the authenticity of copies of records that are requested to be provided in such format.
(b) A request for certified copies of records or for authentication of copies of records shall be sent to the following address: NIGC Attn: Freedom of Information Act Officer, C/O Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Mail Stop #1621, Washington, DC 20240.