25 USC 4116 - Regulations

(a) Transition requirements

(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after October 26, 1996, the Secretary shall, by notice issued in the Federal Register, establish any requirements necessary to provide for the transition (upon the effectiveness of this chapter and the amendments made by this chapter) from the provision of assistance for Indian tribes and Indian housing authorities under the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.] and other related provisions of law to the provision of assistance in accordance with this chapter and the amendments made by this chapter.

(2) Public comments; general notice of proposed rulemaking
The notice issued under paragraph (1) shall

(A) invite public comments regarding such transition requirements and final regulations to carry out this chapter; and

(B) include a general notice of proposed rulemaking (for purposes of section 564 (a) of title 5) of the final regulations under subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Final regulations

(1) Timing
The Secretary shall issue final regulations necessary to carry out this chapter not later than September 1, 1997, and such regulations shall take effect not later than the effective date of this chapter.

(2) Negotiated rulemaking procedure

(A) In general
Notwithstanding sections 563 (a) and 565 (a) of title 5, all regulations required under this chapter, including any regulations that may be required pursuant to amendments made to this chapter after October 26, 1996, shall be issued according to a negotiated rulemaking procedure under subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 5.

(B) Committee

(i) In general The Secretary shall establish a negotiated rulemaking committee, in accordance with the procedures under that subchapter, for the development of proposed regulations under subparagraph (A).

(ii) Adaptation In establishing the negotiated rulemaking committee, the Secretary shall

(I) adapt the procedures under the subchapter described in clause (i) to the unique government-to-government relationship between the Indian tribes and the United States, and shall ensure that the membership of the committee include only representatives of the Federal Government and of geographically diverse small, medium, and large Indian tribes; and

(II) shall not preclude the participation of tribally designated housing entities should tribes elect to be represented by such entities.