(1) Responsibilities of the Tribal Council and Process to Approve a Program. The tribal council shall designate funding to programs that the tribal council determines, in its sole discretion, fulfill a general welfare need through the budget process, consistent with the purposes of this chapter. A program included in the budget is an “approved program.” Approved programs shall also include any additional programs approved by tribal council resolution.

(2) Responsibilities of the Tribe’s Departments and Divisions. The tribe’s departments and divisions shall be charged with the responsibility and authority to administer the approved programs under this chapter. Specifically, the departments or divisions administering an approved program must follow written guidelines established prior to the distribution of benefits of the approved program and implemented by the tribal council that specify how tribal members may qualify for the benefit; administer the program such that a benefit is available to any tribal member who satisfies the approved program guidelines; not discriminate in how the benefit is distributed by discriminating in favor of members of the governing body of the tribe; confirm the benefit is not actually compensation for a service unless it is the type of service provided for in RRTC 3.15.030(2); and ensure the benefit is not lavish or extravagant.

(3) Performance of Duties. All duties performed by an employee or official of the tribe in the administration of an approved program are deemed to be conducted in his or her official capacity. [Res. 09-09-2020B § 4, 2020.]