BYLAWS NTGC/R

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators, hereafter referred as the NTGCR. Section 2. Location of Office. The NTGCR will have and maintain an office in the region of the Chairperson. The Board of Directors may change the location of the principal office from one location to another to coincide with election of officers and the location of the Chairperson’s office.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the NTGCR is to:

Promote cooperative relationships among the commissioners/regulators of tribal gaming enterprises and other organizations;
Promote exchange of thoughts, information and ideas which foster regulatory standards and enforcement that lead to consistent regulatory practices and methods of operations among the NTGCR members;
Promote educational seminars, which include commissioner/regulator training, and other related activities; and
The NTGCR may act as a gaming regulatory advisory group to tribal gaming organizations and others.

Section 2. Non-Profit Corporation. The NTGCR is to be organized for non-profit purposes as an exempt organization under Section 501 (C) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code. The NTGCR is prohibited from engaging in any activity which would be in violation of those provisions. It is the intent that NTGCR will be financially supported primarily by membership fees, dues, and assessments.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership Eligibility. The membership of the NTGCR shall belong to any tribal gaming regulatory entity upon approval of a membership application by the NTGCR Board of Directors. Membership is divided into three categories, “Voting Members”, “Associate Members” and “Affiliate Members.

Voting Members. The voting members are those who have been designated by the tribal gaming regulatory entities when the entities were approved for membership. Each tribal gaming regulatory entity will have one vote.
Associate Members. Any other commissioners or regulators from a tribal gaming regulatory entity that has been approved for membership shall automatically be recognized as associate members. Other associate members may include members of the tribal gaming enterprises, and council members. Associate members are eligible to serve on committees as approved or directed by the Board of Directors.
Affiliate Members. Affiliate members may include anyone recommended by the NTGCR Board of Directors.

Section 2. Suspension and Termination. A member may be suspended for a specified period or may be terminated for cause. Violation of any of the bylaws or rules of the NTGCR or any conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the NTGCR will be grounds for disciplinary action. Suspension or termination will be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors at a meeting called for that purpose. A member will be given at least thirty (30) days prior notice in writing, by certified mail, of any proposed suspension or termination. Such notice will also include an advisory that the person to be suspended or terminated will be afforded the opportunity to be heard by the Board to show cause why such action should not be taken. If such a hearing is desired, the person will notify the Chairperson of the Board in writing within fourteen (14) days of receipt of such notice. Failure to make such written notification forfeits any further rights to appeal and the Board’s action will take effect as designated.

Section 3. Resignation. A member may terminate his or her membership at any time by written notice effective upon receipt.

ARTICLE IV

– DUES Section 1. Annual Dues. There is an annual due for all NTGCR members. The amount of the annual dues will be assessed as listed below: (a) $500.00 for tribes that offer Class III Gaming. (b) $250.00 for tribes that offer only Class II Gaming. (c) $500 for Affiliate Members. The membership may examine and revise the dues structure from time to time with a 2/3 majority vote at a meeting where a quorum is present.

Section 2. Payment of Dues. Dues are payable to NTGCR upon the inception of membership and on the first day of January in each fiscal year thereafter.

Section 3. Default and Termination of Membership. Any member found in default of the payment of dues for a period of three (3) months, from the beginning of the fiscal year, or when such dues become payable, may be terminated by the Board of Directors, in accordance with Article III., Section 2 of these bylaws.

Section 4. Refund. Suspension, termination or resignation will not entitle a member to any refund or previously paid dues.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS Section 1. Notice for the Annual Meeting. Written notice shall be given to all members of the NTGCR at least three months in advance for the fall meeting.

Section 2. Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the membership will be held on a date to be established by the NTGCR, for the purpose of:

Nominating and electing officers and members to the Board of Directors;
Installing a Nominating Committee;
Hearing Reports;
Instructing the Board of Directors;
Transacting other business as may be presented at the meeting; and
Training.

Section 3. Special Meeting. Membership meetings for any purpose may be called no less than quarterly, or at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or the Chairperson, or by a written petition of the majority of the Voting Members. Members will be notified in writing of special meeting dates.

Section 4. Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors or the Chairperson may designate the location of the annual meeting or any special meeting called as provided for in Article V., Section 3.

Section 5. Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of any special meeting of the members will be given in writing at least thirty (30) days prior thereto, delivered personally, by telefax, or by first class mail. Neither the business to be transacted nor the purpose of any special or regular meeting of the members need be specified in the notice, unless specifically required by these bylaws.

Section 6. Quorum. The quorum shall consist of members present to conduct business, provided that at least 5 regions are represented.

ARTICLE VI – VOTING

Section 1. Eligibility. Voting shall be limited to one vote for each tribal gaming regulatory entity, and shall reside with the designated voting member. The designated voting member must be an active member, as identified by the Secretary of the NTGCR, in accordance with Article III., Section 1.a. to be eligible to vote.

Section 2. Methods. The NTGCR may require eligible voters to vote by “show of hands”, “roll call” or use of “ballots” to cast votes at meetings where a quorum is present. All eligible voters shall be sent an official ballot when “voting by mail”.

Section 3. Elections. a. Election of officers shall take place prior to the beginning of each calendar year in accordance with procedures established by the NTGCR bylaws. Votes may be cast by “ballot” or “show of hands” by the voting members at annual meetings where a quorum is present. Board members (Regional Representatives) shall be elected according to Article VIII., Section 2., 3. and 4.

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