FCC Waives Sunshine Rules to Meet with Native Nations Leaders

By public notice released February 24, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission announced that it would consider at the open FCC meeting on March 3, 2011 three items concerning the provision of communications services to Native Nations. These are: (1) Policies to Promote Rural Radio Service and to Streamline Allotment and Assignment Procedures, (2) Improving Communications Services for Native Nations by Promoting Greater Utilization of Spectrum Over Tribal Lands, and (3) Improving Communications Services for Native Nations. Ordinarily, the Sunshine period prohibition, contained in section 1.1203 of the FCC's rules, would, with certain exceptions not applicable here, prohibit all presentations to decision-makers regarding these three items until release of the text of decisions or orders relating to them or removal of these items from the agenda. The FCC finds, however, that it would serve the public interest to be able to meet with Native Nations leaders after the adoption of actions concerning these items before their release. Accordingly, pursuant to section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules, the FCC exercises its discretion to suspend the sunshine period to permit such meetings. The content of these meetings will be subject to public disclosure under the provisions of the rules governing permit-but disclose proceedings.