§ 1300k–6. Constitution and governing body

(a) Constitution

(1) Adoption

Not later than 24 months after September 21, 1994, the Secretary shall conduct, by secret ballot, elections for the purposes of adopting new constitutions for the Bands. The elections shall be held according to the procedures applicable to elections under section 476 of this title.

(2) Interim governing documents

Until such time as new constitutions are adopted under paragraph (1), the governing documents in effect on September 21, 1994, shall be the interim governing documents for the Bands.

(b) Officials

(1) Election

Not later than 6 months after the Bands adopt constitutions and bylaws pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Bands shall conduct elections by secret ballot for the purpose of electing officials for the Bands as provided in the Bands’ respective governing constitutions. The elections shall be conducted according to the procedures described in the Bands’ constitutions and bylaws.

(2) Interim governments

Until such time as the Bands elect new officials pursuant to paragraph (1), the Bands’ governing bodies shall be those governing bodies in place on September 21, 1994, or any new governing bodies selected under the election procedures specified in the respective interim governing documents of the Bands.

(Pub. L. 103–324, § 8, Sept. 21, 1994, 108 Stat. 2159.)