Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015

To amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION Sec. 101. Definitions; reporting and audit requirements; application of provisions. Sec. 102. Contracts by Secretary of the Interior. Sec. 103. Administrative provisions. Sec. 104. Contract funding and indirect costs. Sec. 105. Contract or grant specifications. TITLE II—TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE Sec. 201. Tribal self-governance. Sec. 202. Effect of certain provisions. I INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION 101. Definitions; reporting and audit requirements; application of provisions (a) Definitions Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b (j) self-determination contract (1) considered to be a procurement contract; or (2) except as provided in section 107(a)(1), subject to any Federal procurement law (including regulations); . (b) Reporting and audit requirements Section 5(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450c(b) (1) by striking after completion of the project or undertaking referred to in the preceding subsection of this section after the retention period for the report that is submitted to the Secretary under subsection (a) (2) by adding at the end the following: The retention period shall be defined in regulations promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to section 414. (c) Application of other provisions Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 102(c), 104, 105(a)(1), 105(f), 110, and 111 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq. Public Law 93–638 Public Law 101–512 102. Contracts by Secretary of the Interior Section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450f (1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking economic enterprises except that economic enterprises (as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 ( 25 U.S.C. 1452 (2) by adding at the end the following: (f) Good faith requirement In the negotiation of contracts and funding agreements, the Secretary shall— (1) at all times negotiate in good faith to maximize implementation of the self-determination policy; and (2) carry out this Act in a manner that maximizes the policy of tribal self-determination, in a manner consistent with— (A) the purposes specified in section 3; and (B) the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (g) Rule of construction Subject to section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 . 103. Administrative provisions Section 105 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450j (1) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking pursuant to of this Act pursuant to sections 102 and 103 (2) by adding at the end the following: (p) Interpretation by secretary Except as otherwise provided by law (including section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (1) the inclusion in self-determination contracts and funding agreements of— (A) applicable programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof); and (B) funds associated with those programs, services, functions, and activities; (2) the implementation of self-determination contracts and funding agreements; and (3) the achievement of tribal health objectives. . 104. Contract funding and indirect costs Section 106(a)(3) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450j–1(a)(3) (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (i), by striking , and ; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking expense related to the overhead incurred expense incurred by the governing body of the Indian tribe or tribal organization and any overhead expense incurred (2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) In calculating the reimbursement rate for expenses described in subparagraph (A)(ii), not less than 50 percent of the expenses described in subparagraph (A)(ii) that are incurred by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribal organization relating to a Federal program, function, service, or activity carried out pursuant to the contract shall be considered to be reasonable and allowable. . 105. Contract or grant specifications Section 108 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450l (1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting subject to subsections (a) and (b) of section 102, contain (2) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii) of the model agreement contained in subsection (c), by inserting subject to subsections (a) and (b) of section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450f such other provisions II TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE 201. Tribal self-governance (a) Definitions Section 401 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 458aa 401. Definitions In this title: (1) Compact The term compact (2) Construction program; construction project The term construction program construction project (3) Department The term Department (4) Funding agreement The term funding agreement (5) Gross mismanagement The term gross mismanagement (A) for a program administered by an Indian tribe; or (B) under a compact or funding agreement that results in a significant reduction of funds available for the programs assumed by an Indian tribe. (6) Inherent federal function The term inherent Federal function (7) Program The term program (8) Secretary The term Secretary (9) Self-governance The term self-governance (10) Tribal share The term tribal share (A) support any program within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of the Special Trustee, or the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; and (B) are not required by the Secretary for the performance of an inherent Federal function. . (b) Establishment Section 402 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 458bb 402. Tribal Self-Governance Program (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program within the Department to be known as the Tribal Self-Governance Program (b) Selection of Participating Indian Tribes (1) In general (A) Eligibility The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office of Self-Governance, may select up to 50 new Indian tribes per year from those eligible under subsection (c) to participate in self-governance. (B) Joint participation On the request of each participating Indian tribe, two or more otherwise eligible Indian tribes may be treated as a single Indian tribe for the purpose of participating in self-governance. (2) Other authorized Indian tribe or tribal organization If an Indian tribe authorizes another Indian tribe or a tribal organization to plan for or carry out a program on its behalf under this title, the authorized Indian tribe or tribal organization shall have the rights and responsibilities of the authorizing Indian tribe (except as otherwise provided in the authorizing resolution). (3) Joint participation Two or more Indian tribes that are not otherwise eligible under subsection (c) may be treated as a single Indian tribe for the purpose of participating in self-governance as a tribal organization if— (A) each Indian tribe so requests; and (B) the tribal organization itself, or at least one of the Indian tribes participating in the tribal organization, is eligible under subsection (c). (4) Tribal withdrawal from a tribal organization (A) In general An Indian tribe that withdraws from participation in a tribal organization, in whole or in part, shall be entitled to participate in self-governance if the Indian tribe is eligible under subsection (c). (B) Effect of withdrawal If an Indian tribe withdraws from participation in a tribal organization, the Indian tribe shall be entitled to its tribal share of funds and resources supporting the programs that the Indian tribe is entitled to carry out under the compact and funding agreement of the Indian tribe. (C) Participation in self-governance The withdrawal of an Indian tribe from a tribal organization shall not affect the eligibility of the tribal organization to participate in self-governance on behalf of one or more other Indian tribes, if the tribal organization still qualifies under subsection (c). (D) Withdrawal process (i) In general An Indian tribe may, by tribal resolution, fully or partially withdraw its tribal share of any program in a funding agreement from a participating tribal organization. (ii) Notification The Indian tribe shall provide a copy of the tribal resolution described in clause (i) to the Secretary. (iii) Effective date (I) In general A withdrawal under clause (i) shall become effective on the date that is specified in the tribal resolution and mutually agreed upon by the Secretary, the withdrawing Indian tribe, and the tribal organization that signed the compact and funding agreement on behalf of the withdrawing Indian tribe or tribal organization. (II) No specified date In the absence of a date specified in the resolution, the withdrawal shall become effective on— (aa) the earlier of— (AA) 1 year after the date of submission of the request; and (BB) the date on which the funding agreement expires; or (bb) such date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary, the withdrawing Indian tribe, and the tribal organization that signed the compact and funding agreement on behalf of the withdrawing Indian tribe or tribal organization. (E) Distribution of funds If an Indian tribe or tribal organization eligible to enter into a self-determination contract under title I or a compact or funding agreement under this title fully or partially withdraws from a participating tribal organization, the withdrawing Indian tribe— (i) may elect to enter into a self-determination contract or compact, in which case— (I) the withdrawing Indian tribe or tribal organization shall be entitled to its tribal share of unexpended funds and resources supporting the programs that the Indian tribe will be carrying out under its own self-determination contract or compact and funding agreement (calculated on the same basis as the funds were initially allocated to the funding agreement of the tribal organization); and (II) the funds referred to in subclause (I) shall be withdrawn by the Secretary from the funding agreement of the tribal organization and transferred to the withdrawing Indian tribe, on the condition that sections 102 and 105(i), as appropriate, shall apply to the withdrawing Indian tribe; or (ii) may elect not to enter into a self-determination contract or compact, in which case all unexpended funds and resources associated with the withdrawing Indian tribe’s returned programs (calculated on the same basis as the funds were initially allocated to the funding agreement of the tribal organization) shall be returned by the tribal organization to the Secretary for operation of the programs included in the withdrawal. (F) Return to mature contract status If an Indian tribe elects to operate all or some programs carried out under a compact or funding agreement under this title through a self-determination contract under title I, at the option of the Indian tribe, the resulting self-determination contract shall be a mature self-determination contract as long as the Indian tribe meets the requirements set forth in section 4(h). (c) Eligibility To be eligible to participate in self-governance, an Indian tribe shall— (1) successfully complete the planning phase described in subsection (d); (2) request participation in self-governance by resolution or other official action by the tribal governing body; and (3) demonstrate, for the 3 fiscal years preceding the date on which the Indian tribe requests participation, financial stability and financial management capability as evidenced by the Indian tribe having no uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions in the required annual audit of its self-determination or self-governance agreements with any Federal agency. (d) Planning phase (1) In general An Indian tribe seeking to begin participation in self-governance shall complete a planning phase as provided in this subsection. (2) Activities The planning phase shall— (A) be conducted to the satisfaction of the Indian tribe; and (B) include— (i) legal and budgetary research; and (ii) internal tribal government planning, training, and organizational preparation. (e) Grants (1) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, an Indian tribe or tribal organization that meets the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) shall be eligible for grants— (A) to plan for participation in self-governance; and (B) to negotiate the terms of participation by the Indian tribe or tribal organization in self-governance, as set forth in a compact and a funding agreement. (2) Receipt of grant not required Receipt of a grant under paragraph (1) shall not be a requirement of participation in self-governance. . (c) Funding agreements Section 403 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 458cc (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) Authorization The Secretary shall, on the request of any Indian tribe or tribal organization, enter into a written funding agreement with the governing body of the Indian tribe or the tribal organization in a manner consistent with— (1) the trust responsibility of the Federal Government, treaty obligations, and the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the United States; and (2) subsection (b). ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking without regard to the agency or office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, and the Office of the Special Trustee, without regard to the agency or office of that Bureau or those Offices (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (iii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (D) any other programs, services, functions, or activities (or portions thereof) that are provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, or the Office of the Special Trustee with respect to which Indian tribes or Indians are primary or significant beneficiaries; ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking section 405(c) section 413(c) (ii) by inserting and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and (D) by striking paragraphs (4) through (9); and (3) by adding at the end the following: (m) Other provisions (1) Excluded funding A funding agreement shall not authorize an Indian tribe to plan, conduct, administer, or receive tribal share funding under any program that— (A) is provided under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. (B) is provided for elementary and secondary schools under the formula developed under section 1127 of the Education Amendments of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 2007 (2) Services, functions, and responsibilities A funding agreement shall specify— (A) the services to be provided under the funding agreement; (B) the functions to be performed under the funding agreement; and (C) the responsibilities of the Indian tribe and the Secretary under the funding agreement. (3) Base budget A funding agreement shall, at the option of the Indian tribe, provide for a stable base budget specifying the recurring funds (which may include funds available under section 106(a)) to be transferred to the Indian tribe, for such period as the Indian tribe specifies in the funding agreement, subject to annual adjustment only to reflect changes in congressional appropriations. (4) No waiver of trust responsibility A funding agreement shall prohibit the Secretary from waiving, modifying, or diminishing in any way the trust responsibility of the United States with respect to Indian tribes and individual Indians that exists under treaties, Executive orders, court decisions, and other laws. (n) Amendment The Secretary shall not revise, amend, or require additional terms in a new or subsequent funding agreement without the consent of the Indian tribe, unless such terms are required by Federal law. (o) Effective date A funding agreement shall become effective on the date specified in the funding agreement. (p) Existing and subsequent funding agreements (1) Subsequent funding agreements Absent notification from an Indian tribe that the Indian tribe is withdrawing or retroceding the operation of one or more programs identified in a funding agreement, or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties to the funding agreement or by the nature of any noncontinuing program, service, function, or activity contained in a funding agreement— (A) a funding agreement shall remain in full force and effect until a subsequent funding agreement is executed, with funding paid annually for each fiscal year the agreement is in effect; and (B) the term of the subsequent funding agreement shall be retroactive to the end of the term of the preceding funding agreement for the purposes of calculating the amount of funding to which the Indian tribe is entitled. (2) Disputes Disputes over the implementation of paragraph (1)(A) shall be subject to section 406(c). (3) Existing funding agreements An Indian tribe that was participating in self-governance under this title on the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (A) to retain its existing funding agreement (in whole or in part) to the extent that the provisions of that funding agreement are not directly contrary to any express provision of this title; or (B) to negotiate a new funding agreement in a manner consistent with this title. (4) Multiyear funding agreements An Indian tribe may, at the discretion of the Indian tribe, negotiate with the Secretary for a funding agreement with a term that exceeds 1 year. . (d) General revisions Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 458aa et seq. 404. Compacts (a) In general The Secretary shall negotiate and enter into a written compact with each Indian tribe participating in self-governance in a manner consistent with the trust responsibility of the Federal Government, treaty obligations, and the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the United States. (b) Contents A compact under subsection (a) shall— (1) specify and affirm the general terms of the government-to-government relationship between the Indian tribe and the Secretary; and (2) include such terms as the parties intend shall control during the term of the compact. (c) Amendment A compact under subsection (a) may be amended only by agreement of the parties. (d) Effective date The effective date of a compact under subsection (a) shall be— (1) the date of the execution of the compact by the parties; or (2) such date as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. (e) Duration A compact under subsection (a) shall remain in effect— (1) for so long as permitted by Federal law; or (2) until termination by written agreement, retrocession, or reassumption. (f) Existing compacts An Indian tribe participating in self-governance under this title, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (1) to retain its negotiated compact (in whole or in part) to the extent that the provisions of the compact are not directly contrary to any express provision of this title; or (2) to negotiate a new compact in a manner consistent with this title. 405. General provisions (a) Applicability An Indian tribe and the Secretary shall include in any compact or funding agreement provisions that reflect the requirements of this title. (b) Conflicts of interest An Indian tribe participating in self-governance shall ensure that internal measures are in place to address, pursuant to tribal law and procedures, conflicts of interest in the administration of programs. (c) Audits (1) Single agency audit act Chapter 75 (2) Cost principles An Indian tribe shall apply cost principles under the applicable Office of Management and Budget circular, except as modified by— (A) any provision of law, including section 106; or (B) any exemptions to applicable Office of Management and Budget circulars subsequently granted by the Office of Management and Budget. (3) Federal claims Any claim by the Federal Government against an Indian tribe relating to funds received under a funding agreement based on any audit under this subsection shall be subject to section 106(f). (d) Redesign and consolidation Except as provided in section 407, an Indian tribe may redesign or consolidate programs or reallocate funds for programs in any manner that the Indian tribe determines to be in the best interest of the Indian community being served, so long as that the redesign or consolidation does not have the effect of denying eligibility for services to population groups otherwise eligible to be served under applicable Federal law, except that, with respect to the reallocation, consolidation, and redesign of programs described in subsection (b)(2) or (c) of section 403, a joint agreement between the Secretary and the Indian tribe shall be required. (e) Retrocession (1) In general An Indian tribe may fully or partially retrocede to the Secretary any program under a compact or funding agreement. (2) Effective date (A) Agreement Unless an Indian tribe rescinds a request for retrocession under paragraph (1), the retrocession shall become effective on the date specified by the parties in the compact or funding agreement. (B) No agreement In the absence of a specification of an effective date in the compact or funding agreement, the retrocession shall become effective on— (i) the earlier of— (I) 1 year after the date on which the request is submitted; and (II) the date on which the funding agreement expires; or (ii) such date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the Indian tribe. (f) Nonduplication A funding agreement shall provide that, for the period for which, and to the extent to which, funding is provided to an Indian tribe under this title, the Indian tribe— (1) shall not be entitled to contract with the Secretary for funds under section 102, except that the Indian tribe shall be eligible for new programs on the same basis as other Indian tribes; and (2) shall be responsible for the administration of programs in accordance with the compact or funding agreement. (g) Records (1) In general Unless an Indian tribe specifies otherwise in the compact or funding agreement, records of an Indian tribe shall not be considered to be Federal records for purposes of chapter 5 (2) Recordkeeping system An Indian tribe shall— (A) maintain a recordkeeping system; and (B) on a notice period of not less than 30 days, provide the Secretary with reasonable access to the records to enable the Department to meet the requirements of sections 3101 through 3106 of title 44, United States Code. 406. Provisions relating to the secretary (a) Trust evaluations A funding agreement shall include a provision to monitor the performance of trust functions by the Indian tribe through the annual trust evaluation. (b) Reassumption (1) In general A compact or funding agreement shall include provisions for the Secretary to reassume a program and associated funding if there is a specific finding relating to that program of— (A) imminent jeopardy to a trust asset, a natural resource, or public health and safety that— (i) is caused by an act or omission of the Indian tribe; and (ii) arises out of a failure to carry out the compact or funding agreement; or (B) gross mismanagement with respect to funds transferred to an Indian tribe under a compact or funding agreement, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Inspector General, as appropriate. (2) Prohibition The Secretary shall not reassume operation of a program, in whole or part, unless— (A) the Secretary first provides written notice and a hearing on the record to the Indian tribe; and (B) the Indian tribe does not take corrective action to remedy the mismanagement of the funds or programs, or the imminent jeopardy to a trust asset, natural resource, or public health and safety. (3) Exception (A) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may, on written notice to the Indian tribe, immediately reassume operation of a program if— (i) the Secretary makes a finding of imminent and substantial jeopardy and irreparable harm to a trust asset, a natural resource, or the public health and safety caused by an act or omission of the Indian tribe; and (ii) the imminent and substantial jeopardy, and irreparable harm to the trust asset, natural resource, or public health and safety arises out of a failure by the Indian tribe to carry out the terms of an applicable compact or funding agreement. (B) Reassumption If the Secretary reassumes operation of a program under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide the Indian tribe with a hearing on the record not later than 10 days after the date of reassumption. (c) Inability To agree on compact or funding agreement (1) Final offer If the Secretary and a participating Indian tribe are unable to agree, in whole or in part, on the terms of a compact or funding agreement (including funding levels), the Indian tribe may submit a final offer to the Secretary. (2) Determination Not more than 60 days after the date of receipt of a final offer by the one or more officials designated pursuant to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall review and make a determination with respect to the final offer. (3) Extensions The deadline described in paragraph (2) may be extended for any length of time, as agreed upon by both the Indian tribe and the Secretary. (4) Designated officials (A) In general The Secretary shall designate one or more appropriate officials in the Department to receive a copy of the final offer described in paragraph (1). (B) No designation If no official is designated, the Executive Secretariat of the Secretary shall be the designated official. (5) No timely determination Except as otherwise provided in section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (6) Rejection of final offer (A) In general If the Secretary rejects a final offer (or one or more provisions or funding levels in a final offer), the Secretary shall— (i) provide timely written notification to the Indian tribe that contains a specific finding that clearly demonstrates, or that is supported by a controlling legal authority, that— (I) the amount of funds proposed in the final offer exceeds the applicable funding level as determined under section 106(a)(1); (II) the program that is the subject of the final offer is an inherent Federal function or is subject to the discretion of the Secretary under section 403(c); (III) the Indian tribe cannot carry out the program in a manner that would not result in significant danger or risk to the public health or safety, to natural resources, or to trust resources; (IV) the Indian tribe is not eligible to participate in self-governance under section 402(c); (V) the funding agreement would violate a Federal statute or regulation; or (VI) with respect to a program or portion of a program included in a final offer pursuant to section 403(b)(2), the program or the portion of the program is not otherwise available to Indian tribes or Indians under section 102(a)(1)(E); (ii) provide technical assistance to overcome the objections stated in the notification required by clause (i); (iii) provide the Indian tribe with— (I) a hearing on the record with the right to engage in full discovery relevant to any issue raised in the matter; and (II) the opportunity for appeal on the objections raised (except that the Indian tribe may, in lieu of filing such appeal, directly proceed to initiate an action in a United States district court under section 110(a)); and (iv) provide the Indian tribe the option of entering into the severable portions of a final proposed compact or funding agreement (including a lesser funding amount, if any), that the Secretary did not reject, subject to any additional alterations necessary to conform the compact or funding agreement to the severed provisions. (B) Effect of exercising certain option If an Indian tribe exercises the option specified in subparagraph (A)(iv)— (i) the Indian tribe shall retain the right to appeal the rejection by the Secretary under this section; and (ii) clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall apply only to the portion of the proposed final compact or funding agreement that was rejected by the Secretary. (d) Burden of proof In any administrative action, hearing, or appeal or civil action brought under this section, the Secretary shall have the burden of proof— (1) of demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, the validity of the grounds for a reassumption under subsection (b); and (2) of clearly demonstrating the validity of the grounds for rejecting a final offer made under subsection (c). (e) Good faith (1) In general In the negotiation of compacts and funding agreements, the Secretary shall at all times negotiate in good faith to maximize implementation of the self-governance policy. (2) Policy The Secretary shall carry out this title in a manner that maximizes the policy of tribal self-governance. (f) Savings (1) In general To the extent that programs carried out for the benefit of Indian tribes and tribal organizations under this title reduce the administrative or other responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to the operation of Indian programs and result in savings that have not otherwise been included in the amount of tribal shares and other funds determined under section 408(c), except for funding agreements entered into for programs under section 403(c), the Secretary shall make such savings available to the Indian tribes or tribal organizations for the provision of additional services to program beneficiaries in a manner equitable to directly served, contracted, and compacted programs. (2) Discretionary programs of special significance For any savings generated as a result of the assumption of a program by an Indian tribe under section 403(c), such savings shall be made available to that Indian tribe. (g) Trust responsibility The Secretary may not waive, modify, or diminish in any way the trust responsibility of the United States with respect to Indian tribes and individual Indians that exists under treaties, Executive orders, other laws, or court decisions. (h) Decisionmaker A decision that constitutes final agency action and relates to an appeal within the Department conducted under subsection (c)(4) may be made by— (1) an official of the Department who holds a position at a higher organizational level within the Department than the level of the departmental agency in which the decision that is the subject of the appeal was made; or (2) an administrative law judge. (i) Rules of construction Subject to section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 407. Construction programs and projects (a) In general Indian tribes participating in tribal self-governance may carry out construction projects under this title. (b) Tribal option To carry out certain federal environmental activities In carrying out a construction project under this title, an Indian tribe may, subject to the agreement of the Secretary, elect to assume some Federal responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. (1) designating a certifying tribal officer to represent the Indian tribe and to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under those Acts or regulations; and (2) accepting the jurisdiction of the United States courts for the purpose of enforcing the responsibilities of the certifying tribal officer assuming the status of a responsible Federal official under those Acts or regulations. (c) Savings clause Notwithstanding subsection (b), nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary to include in any compact or funding agreement duties of the Secretary under the National Environmental Policy Act ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. (d) Codes and standards In carrying out a construction project under this title, an Indian tribe shall— (1) adhere to applicable Federal, State, local, and tribal building codes, architectural and engineering standards, and applicable Federal guidelines regarding design, space, and operational standards, appropriate for the particular project; and (2) use only architects and engineers who— (A) are licensed to practice in the State in which the facility will be built; and (B) certify that— (i) they are qualified to perform the work required by the specific construction involved; and (ii) upon completion of design, the plans and specifications meet or exceed the applicable construction and safety codes. (e) Tribal accountability (1) In general In carrying out a construction project under this title, an Indian tribe shall assume responsibility for the successful completion of the construction project and of a facility that is usable for the purpose for which the Indian tribe received funding. (2) Requirements For each construction project carried out by an Indian tribe under this title, the Indian tribe and the Secretary shall negotiate a provision to be included in the funding agreement that identifies— (A) the approximate start and completion dates for the project, which may extend over a period of one or more years; (B) a general description of the project, including the scope of work, references to design criteria, and other terms and conditions; (C) the responsibilities of the Indian tribe and the Secretary for the project; (D) how project-related environmental considerations will be addressed; (E) the amount of funds provided for the project; (F) the obligations of the Indian tribe to comply with the codes referenced in subsection (d)(1) and applicable Federal laws and regulations; (G) the agreement of the parties over who will bear any additional costs necessary to meet changes in scope, or errors or omissions in design and construction; and (H) the agreement of the Secretary to issue a certificate of occupancy, if requested by the Indian tribe, based upon the review and verification by the Secretary, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the Indian tribe has secured upon completion the review and approval of the plans and specifications, sufficiency of design, life safety, and code compliance by qualified, licensed, and independent architects and engineers. (f) Funding (1) In general Funding appropriated for construction projects carried out under this title shall be included in funding agreements as annual or semiannual advance payments at the option of the Indian tribe. (2) Advance payments The Secretary shall include all associated project contingency funds with each advance payment, and the Indian tribe shall be responsible for the management of such contingency funds. (g) Negotiations At the option of the Indian tribe, construction project funding proposals shall be negotiated pursuant to the statutory process in section 105, and any resulting construction project agreement shall be incorporated into the funding agreement as addenda. (h) Federal review and verification (1) In general On a schedule negotiated by the Secretary and the Indian tribe— (A) the Secretary shall review and verify, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that project planning and design documents prepared by the Indian tribe in advance of initial construction are in conformity with the obligations of the Indian tribe under subsection (d); and (B) before the project planning and design documents are implemented, the Secretary shall review and verify to the satisfaction of the Secretary that subsequent document amendments which result in a significant change in construction are in conformity with the obligations of the Indian tribe under subsection (d). (2) Reports The Indian tribe shall provide the Secretary with project progress and financial reports not less than semiannually. (3) Oversight visits The Secretary may conduct onsite project oversight visits semiannually or on an alternate schedule agreed to by the Secretary and the Indian tribe. (i) Application of other laws Unless otherwise agreed to by the Indian tribe and except as otherwise provided in this Act, no provision of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act ( 41 U.S.C. 401 et seq. (j) Future funding Upon completion of a facility constructed under this title, the Secretary shall include the facility among those eligible for annual operation and maintenance funding support comparable to that provided for similar facilities funded by the Department as annual appropriations are available and to the extent that the facility size and complexity and other factors do not exceed the funding formula criteria for comparable buildings. (k) Applicability Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 408. Payment (a) In general At the request of the governing body of an Indian tribe and under the terms of an applicable funding agreement, the Secretary shall provide funding to the Indian tribe to carry out the funding agreement. (b) Advance annual payment At the option of the Indian tribe, a funding agreement shall provide for an advance annual payment to an Indian tribe. (c) Amount (1) In general Subject to subsection (e) and sections 403 and 405, the Secretary shall provide funds to the Indian tribe under a funding agreement for programs in an amount that is equal to the amount that the Indian tribe would have been entitled to receive under contracts and grants under this Act (including amounts for direct program and contract support costs and, in addition, any funds that are specifically or functionally related to the provision by the Secretary of services and benefits to the Indian tribe or its members) without regard to the organization level within the Department at which the programs are carried out. (2) Savings clause Nothing in this section reduces programs, services, or funds of, or provided to, another Indian tribe. (d) Timing (1) In general Pursuant to the terms of any compact or funding agreement entered into under this title, the Secretary shall transfer to the Indian tribe all funds provided for in the funding agreement, pursuant to subsection (c), and provide funding for periods covered by joint resolution adopted by Congress making continuing appropriations, to the extent permitted by such resolution. (2) Transfers Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (e) Availability Funds for trust services to individual Indians shall be available under a funding agreement only to the extent that the same services that would have been provided by the Secretary are provided to individual Indians by the Indian tribe. (f) Multiyear funding A funding agreement may provide for multiyear funding. (g) Limitations on authority of the secretary The Secretary shall not— (1) fail to transfer to an Indian tribe its full share of any central, headquarters, regional, area, or service unit office or other funds due under this title for programs eligible under paragraph (1) or (2) of section 403(b), except as required by Federal law; (2) withhold any portion of such funds for transfer over a period of years; or (3) reduce the amount of funds required under this title— (A) to make funding available for self-governance monitoring or administration by the Secretary; (B) in subsequent years, except as necessary as a result of— (i) a reduction in appropriations from the previous fiscal year for the program to be included in a compact or funding agreement; (ii) a congressional directive in legislation or an accompanying report; (iii) a tribal authorization; (iv) a change in the amount of pass-through funds subject to the terms of the funding agreement; or (v) completion of an activity under a program for which the funds were provided; (C) to pay for Federal functions, including— (i) Federal pay costs; (ii) Federal employee retirement benefits; (iii) automated data processing; (iv) technical assistance; and (v) monitoring of activities under this title; or (D) to pay for costs of Federal personnel displaced by self-determination contracts under this Act or self-governance under this title. (h) Federal resources If an Indian tribe elects to carry out a compact or funding agreement with the use of Federal personnel, Federal supplies (including supplies available from Federal warehouse facilities), Federal supply sources (including lodging, airline transportation, and other means of transportation, including the use of interagency motor pool vehicles), or other Federal resources (including supplies, services, and resources available to the Secretary under any procurement contracts in which the Department is eligible to participate), the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, acquire and transfer such personnel, supplies, or resources to the Indian tribe under this title. (i) Prompt payment act Chapter 39 (j) Interest or other income (1) In general An Indian tribe may retain interest or income earned on any funds paid under a compact or funding agreement to carry out governmental purposes. (2) No effect on other amounts The retention of interest or income under paragraph (1) shall not diminish the amount of funds an Indian tribe is entitled to receive under a funding agreement in the year the interest or income is earned or in any subsequent fiscal year. (3) Investment standard Funds transferred under this title shall be managed by the Indian tribe using the prudent investment standard, provided that the Secretary shall not be liable for any investment losses of funds managed by the Indian tribe that are not otherwise guaranteed or insured by the Federal Government. (k) Carryover of funds (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of an appropriations Act, all funds paid to an Indian tribe in accordance with a compact or funding agreement shall remain available until expended. (2) Effect of carryover If an Indian tribe elects to carry over funding from 1 year to the next, the carryover shall not diminish the amount of funds the Indian tribe is entitled to receive under a funding agreement in that fiscal year or any subsequent fiscal year. (l) Limitation of costs (1) In general An Indian tribe shall not be obligated to continue performance that requires an expenditure of funds in excess of the amount of funds transferred under a compact or funding agreement. (2) Notice of insufficiency If at any time the Indian tribe has reason to believe that the total amount provided for a specific activity under a compact or funding agreement is insufficient, the Indian tribe shall provide reasonable notice of such insufficiency to the Secretary. (3) Suspension of performance If, after notice under paragraph (2), the Secretary does not increase the amount of funds transferred under the funding agreement, the Indian tribe may suspend performance of the activity until such time as additional funds are transferred. (4) Savings clause Nothing in this section reduces any programs, services, or funds of, or provided to, another Indian tribe. (m) Distribution of funds The Office of Self-Governance shall be responsible for distribution of all Bureau of Indian Affairs funds provided under this title unless otherwise agreed by the parties to an applicable funding agreement. (n) Applicability Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 409. Facilitation (a) In general Except as otherwise provided by law (including section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (1) the inclusion of programs in funding agreements; and (2) the implementation of funding agreements. (b) Regulation waiver (1) Request An Indian tribe may submit to the Secretary a written request for a waiver of applicability of a Federal regulation, including— (A) an identification of the specific text in the regulation sought to be waived; and (B) the basis for the request. (2) Determination by the secretary Not later than 120 days after receipt by the Secretary and the designated officials under paragraph (4) of a request under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall approve or deny the requested waiver in writing to the Indian tribe. (3) Extensions The deadline described in paragraph (2) may be extended for any length of time, as agreed upon by both the Indian tribe and the Secretary. (4) Designated officials The Secretary shall designate one or more appropriate officials in the Department to receive a copy of the waiver request described in paragraph (1). (5) Grounds for denial The Secretary may deny a request under paragraph (1)— (A) for a program eligible under paragraph (1) or (2) of section 403(b), only upon a specific finding by the Secretary that the identified text in the regulation may not be waived because such a waiver is prohibited by Federal law; and (B) for a program eligible under section 403(c), upon a specific finding by the Secretary that the waiver is prohibited by Federal law or is inconsistent with the express provisions of the funding agreement. (6) Failure to make determination If the Secretary fails to approve or deny a waiver request within the period required under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall be deemed to have approved the request. (7) Finality A decision of the Secretary under this section shall be final for the Department. 410. Disclaimers Nothing in this title expands or alters any statutory authority of the Secretary in a manner that authorizes the Secretary to enter into any agreement under section 403— (1) with respect to an inherent Federal function; (2) in a case in which the law establishing a program explicitly prohibits the type of participation sought by the Indian tribe (without regard to whether one or more Indian tribes are identified in the authorizing law); or (3) that limits or reduces in any way the services, contracts, or funds that any other Indian tribe or tribal organization is eligible to receive under section 102 or any other applicable Federal law. 411. Discretionary application of other sections (a) In general Except as otherwise provided in section 101(c), at the option of a participating Indian tribe or Indian tribes, any of the provisions of title I may be incorporated in any compact or funding agreement under this title. (b) Effect Each incorporated provision under subsection (a) shall— (1) have the same force and effect as if set out in full in this title; (2) supplement or replace any related provision in this title; and (3) apply to any agency otherwise governed by this title. (c) Effective date If an Indian tribe requests incorporation at the negotiation stage of a compact or funding agreement, the incorporation shall— (1) be effective immediately; and (2) control the negotiation and resulting compact and funding agreement. 412. Annual Budget list The Secretary shall list, in the annual budget request submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, any funds proposed to be included in funding agreements authorized under this Act. 413. Reports (a) In general (1) Requirement On January 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding the administration of this title. (2) Analysis Any Indian tribe may submit to the Office of Self-Governance and to the appropriate Committees of Congress a detailed annual analysis of unmet tribal needs for funding agreements under this title. (b) Contents The report under subsection (a)(1) shall— (1) be compiled from information contained in funding agreements, annual audit reports, and data of the Secretary regarding the disposition of Federal funds; (2) identify— (A) the relative costs and benefits of self-governance; (B) with particularity, all funds that are specifically or functionally related to the provision by the Secretary of services and benefits to self-governance Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes; (C) the funds transferred to each Indian tribe and the corresponding reduction in the Federal employees and workload; and (D) the funding formula for individual tribal shares of all Central Office funds, together with the comments of affected Indian tribes, developed under subsection (d); (3) before being submitted to Congress, be distributed to the Indian tribes for comment (with a comment period of no less than 30 days); (4) include the separate views and comments of each Indian tribe or tribal organization; and (5) include a list of— (A) all such programs that the Secretary determines, in consultation with Indian tribes participating in self-governance, are eligible for negotiation to be included in a funding agreement at the request of a participating Indian tribe; and (B) all such programs which Indian tribes have formally requested to include in a funding agreement under section 403(c) due to the special geographic, historical, or cultural significance of the program to the Indian tribe, indicating whether each request was granted or denied, and stating the grounds for any denial. (c) Report on non-BIA, non-OST programs (1) In general In order to optimize opportunities for including non-Bureau of Indian Affairs and non-Office of Special Trustee programs in agreements with Indian tribes participating in self-governance under this title, the Secretary shall review all programs administered by the Department, other than through the Bureau of Indian Affairs or Office of the Special Trustee, without regard to the agency or office concerned. (2) Programmatic targets The Secretary shall establish programmatic targets, after consultation with Indian tribes participating in self-governance, to encourage bureaus of the Department to ensure that an appropriate portion of those programs are available to be included in funding agreements. (3) Publication The lists under subsection (b)(5) and targets under paragraph (2) shall be published in the Federal Register and made available to any Indian tribe participating in self-governance. (4) Annual review (A) In general The Secretary shall annually review and publish in the Federal Register, after consultation with Indian tribes participating in self-governance, revised lists and programmatic targets. (B) Contents In preparing the revised lists and programmatic targets, the Secretary shall consider all programs that were eligible for contracting in the original list published in the Federal Register in 1995, except for programs specifically determined not to be contractible as a matter of law. (d) Report on central office funds Not later than January 1, 2016, the Secretary shall, in consultation with Indian tribes, develop a funding formula to determine the individual tribal share of funds controlled by the Central Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of the Special Trustee for inclusion in the compacts. 414. Regulations (a) In general (1) Promulgation Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 chapter 5 (2) Publication of proposed regulations Proposed regulations to implement this title shall be published in the Federal Register not later than 21 months after the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (3) Expiration of authority The authority to promulgate regulations under paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is 30 months after the date of enactment of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (b) Committee (1) Membership A negotiated rulemaking committee established pursuant to section 565 of title 5, United States Code, to carry out this section shall have as its members only representatives of the Federal Government and tribal government. (2) Lead agency Among the Federal representatives described in paragraph (1), the Office of Self-Governance shall be the lead agency for the Department. (c) Adaptation of procedures The Secretary shall adapt the negotiated rulemaking procedures to the unique context of self-governance and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. (d) Effect (1) Repeal The Secretary may repeal any regulation that is inconsistent with this Act. (2) Conflicting provisions Subject to section 202 of the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 (3) Effectiveness without regard to regulations The lack of promulgated regulations on an issue shall not limit the effect or implementation of this title. 415. Effect of circulars, policies, manuals, guidance, and rules Unless expressly agreed to by a participating Indian tribe in a compact or funding agreement, the participating Indian tribe shall not be subject to any agency circular, policy, manual, guidance, or rule adopted by the Department, except for— (1) the eligibility provisions of section 105(g); and (2) regulations promulgated pursuant to section 414. 416. Appeals Except as provided in section 406(d), in any administrative action, appeal, or civil action for judicial review of any decision made by the Secretary under this title, the Secretary shall have the burden of proof of demonstrating by a preponderance of the evidence— (1) the validity of the grounds for the decision; and (2) the consistency of the decision with the requirements and policies of this title. 417. Application of other provisions Section 314 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991 ( Public Law 101–512 418. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title. . 202. Effect of certain provisions (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Funding agreement The term funding agreement 25 U.S.C. 458cc (2) ISDEAA The term ISDEAA 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq. (3) Non-BIA program The term non-BIA program (A) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (B) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; or (C) the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. (4) Secretary The term Secretary (5) Self-determination contract The term self-determination contract 25 U.S.C. 450f (6) Tribal water rights settlement The term tribal water rights settlement (A) includes an Indian tribe and the United States as parties; and (B) quantifies or otherwise defines any water right of the Indian tribe. (b) Effect of provisions Nothing in this Act— (1) modifies, limits, expands, or otherwise affects— (A) the authority of the Secretary, as provided for under the ISDEAA on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, to include any non-BIA program in a self-determination contract under section 102(a)(1)(E) of the ISDEAA ( 25 U.S.C. 450f(a)(1)(E) 25 U.S.C. 458cc(b)(2) (B) the implementation of any contract or agreement described in subparagraph (A) that is in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; (2) modifies or otherwise affects the meaning, application, or effect of any provision of law that— (A) is not contained in the ISDEAA; and (B) expressly authorizes or prohibits contracting or compacting under title I or title IV of the ISDEAA with respect to a specific program or project that is identified or otherwise referred to in that provision of law; (3) modifies or otherwise affects the meaning, application, or effect of, or the performance required of a party to, or any payment or funding under a tribal water rights settlement; or (4) authorizes any self-determination contract or funding agreement that contains one or more provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of a tribal water rights settlement. May 22, 2015 Reported without amendment

Summary: Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 TITLE I--INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (the Act) to change the Department of the Interior's process for approving self-governance compacts and annual funding agreements with Indian tribes. Modifies Interior's process to make it similar to processes used by the Department of Health and Human Service's Indian Health Service. (Sec. 101) Revises the definition of "self-determination contract" to state that no contract shall be considered to be a procurement contract or subject to federal procurement law, except for specified construction contracts. Exempts Indian tribes that expend less than $500,000 in federal award funds in a fiscal year from the requirement that a tribe submit a single-agency audit report if it receives or expends federal award funds. (Sec. 102) Directs Interior to negotiate contracts and funding agreements in good faith to maximize implementation of the self-determination policy. Requires provisions of contracts or funding agreements to be liberally construed for the benefit of the Indian tribe. (Sec. 103) Directs Interior to interpret all federal laws, regulations, and executive orders in a manner that facilitates: (1) inclusion in self-determination contracts and funding agreements of applicable programs, services, and related funds; (2) implementation of self-determination contracts and funding agreements; and (3) achievement of tribal health objectives. (Sec. 104) Adds administrative or other expenses incurred by the governing body of the Indian tribe or tribal organization to the contract support costs eligible to receive funding under the Act. Specifies that no less than 50% of the expenses incurred by the governing body of a tribe or tribal organization relating to a program, function, service, or activity pursuant to the contract shall be considered to be reasonable and allowable. (Sec. 105) States that provisions in the model statutory agreement allowing the parties to agree to additional contract and funding agreement terms do not make inapplicable the provisions in Section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act requiring proposals and declinations. TITLE II--TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE (Sec. 201) Establishes the Tribal Self-Governance Program and sets forth eligibility requirements. Authorizes Interior to select up to 50 new Indian tribes per year to participate in self-governance. Permits a tribe that withdraws from participation in a tribal organization to participate in self-governance if the tribe is eligible. Sets forth procedures for a tribe to withdraw from a tribal organization and requirements for distributing funds to a withdrawing tribe. Requires a tribe, in order to be eligible to participate in self-governance, to: (1) complete a planning phase, (2) request participation in self-governance by resolution or other official action by the tribal governing body, and (3) demonstrate financial stability and management capability for the three fiscal years preceding the date on which the tribe requests participation. Makes tribes eligible to receive grants for planning to participate in the program or for negotiating the terms of participation. Declares that funding agreements that Interior is required to negotiate and enter into with the governing body of each participating tribe must be consistent with the trust responsibility of the federal government, treaty obligations, and the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the United States. States that a funding agreement authorizes a tribe to plan, conduct, consolidate, administer and receive full tribal share funding for all programs, functions, services, or activities provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, and the Office of the Special Trustee; and any other program administered by Interior that is otherwise available to tribes or Indians under the Act. Prohibits a funding agreement from authorizing a tribe to plan, conduct, administer or receive tribal share funding under any program that is provided under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 or is provided for elementary and secondary schools under the formula developed under the Education Amendments of 1978. Requires funding agreements to specify services to be provided, functions to be performed, and the responsibilities of the Indian tribe and Interior. Permits a funding agreement, at the request of a tribe, to provide for a base budget specifying recurring funds to be transferred to the tribe. Prohibits Interior from waiving the trust responsibility of the United States to tribes or altering the terms of a funding agreement without tribal consent. Permits tribes participating in self-governance on the date of enactment of this bill to retain existing funding agreements or renegotiate a new funding agreement, including a multiyear funding agreement. Directs Interior to negotiate and enter into a compact with each Indian tribe participating in self-governance in a manner consistent with the trust responsibility of the federal government, treaty obligations, and the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the United States. Requires the compact to: (1) specify and affirm the general terms of the government-to-government relationship between the Indian tribe and Interior; and (2) include terms the parties intend to control during the term of the compact. Permits tribes participating in self-governance on the date of enactment of this bill to retain negotiated compacts that are not directly contrary to this title, or renegotiate a new compact in a manner that is consistent with this title. Specifies requirements for tribes participating in self-governance with respect to conflicts of interest, audits, redesign and consolidation of programs, retrocession of programs under a compact or funding agreement, non-duplication of funding, and records. Requires a funding agreement to include provisions for Interior to monitor the performance of trust functions by the tribe through the annual trust evaluation and to reassume a program and associated funding if there is a finding of: (1) imminent jeopardy to a trust asset, natural resource, or public health and safety that is caused by the tribe and arises out of a failure to carry out the compact or funding agreement, or (2) gross mismanagement of funds. Sets forth procedures that apply when Interior and a tribe are unable to agree on compact or funding agreement. Authorizes a tribe participating in tribal self-governance to carry out construction projects, including certain related federal environmental activities. Specifies requirements for the projects. Directs Interior, upon request of the tribe's governing body, to provide the tribe with financial assistance to carry out the funding agreement. Authorizes a funding agreement to provide for multiyear funding. Directs Interior to transfer all tribal shares and resources to a tribe in a timely fashion. Prohibits Interior from reducing funding from year to year unless specified exceptions apply. Permits a tribe to retain interest or income earned on funds paid under a compact or funding agreement to carry out governmental purposes without diminishing its future payments. Prohibits a tribe from being obligated to continue performance of a compact or funding agreement with insufficient funds and permits a tribe to suspend performance until funds are adequate. Directs Interior to interpret federal law in a manner that facilitates the implementation of funding agreements and the inclusion of programs in funding agreements. Permits tribes to submit to Interior a written request to waive regulations. Permits Interior to deny the request only if it is prohibited by federal law or inconsistent with a funding agreement. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires negotiated rulemaking and sets forth membership criteria for the negotiated rulemaking committee. Authorizes Interior to repeal regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this bill. Provides that in any administrative action, appeal, or civil action for judicial review of any decision made under this title, Interior has the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence the validity of the grounds for the decision.