Regulatory Affairs

The Poarch Creek Indians Employment Rights Commission “TERO Commission” was first established by Tribal Council Ordinance 88:001A on March 27, 1988 to fulfill the directives of and ensure compliance with the Indian Preference in Employment and Tribal Employment Rights.  Its sole oversight was to ensure the Indian Preference Program was being administered correctly for Tribal Government and all of its entities.

On May 7, 2015, Tribal Council Ordinance 2015-12 reorganized the TERO Commission into the Tribal Regulatory Commission under Title 51 (Tribal Regulatory Commission) of the Tribal Code.  The authority of the new Commission was expanded to include monitoring and regulating the environmental issues on Tribal lands, employment rights issues, the historic and cultural resources of the Poarch Creek Indians, and sporting events conducted on the Reservation for commercial gain.  The Commission also has regulatory responsibilities under Title 37 (Procurement) of the Tribal Code.

The Tribal Regulatory Commission, established by Title 51 (Tribal Regulatory Commission) whose members are appointed in accordance with Title 45 (Board and Committee Organization Act), is charged with managing and monitoring the Tribe’s Environmental Program consistent with Title 26 and Tribal law, the activities of the TERO Office consistent with Title 33 and Tribal law, the activities of the Office of Historic Preservation consistent with Title 39 and Tribal law, and all sporting events conducted on the reservation consistent with Title 49.

As such, the Tribal Regulatory Commission’s powers and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducting hearing pertaining to revocation, suspension, or modification of environmental permits (Title26);
• In consultation with the appropriate legislative committee, hold public hearings on Tribal employment rights issues, initiate and assist in public education efforts, and encourage Indian employment and economy (Title 39);
• Hold hearings to adjudicate complaints and appeals from the actions of the Director using the procedure set forth in Chapters 2 and 8 of Title 33, and issue subpoenas to non-Tribal parties;
• Establish rules, regulations, and policies governing Bidder responsibility and debarment and suspension proceedings under Chapter 4 of the Procurement Title;
• Reviewing and assisting with the THPO’s regulatory decisions and historic preservation efforts;
• Serving as the appellate review board for denials, suspensions, and revocations of permits or certification for artisans;
• Concurring with or dissenting from the THPO’s recommendations that Tribal Land or tribally-own building be placed on the Tribal Historic Register or National Register;
• Reviewing any comprehensive archaeological and historic preservation plans prior to submission to the Tribal Council for final approval;
• Monitoring sporting activities on the Reservation to ensure compliance with Tribal Law (Title 49);
• Granting, denying, suspending, or revoking a permit for a Sporting Event or license for a Sporting Official;

To view Tribal law under these titles, click here. Refer to the departments under the Regulatory Affairs Division to view programs administered and those subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.