OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held the Business, Finance and Justice Committee session at the Mound Building on Mar. 20.
Passed legislation is subject to full council approval during the regular session.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-020 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of George Thompson for appointment to the Supreme Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was passed by the committee. The resolution was sponsored by Representative Dode Barnett of the Creek District. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this resolution will allow George Thompson to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Supreme Court.
TR 25-021 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Leah Harjo Ware for appointment to the Supreme Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was passed by the committee. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this resolution will allow Leah Harjo Ware to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Supreme Court.
NCA 25-032 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 6, Chapter 1, entitled “Children”, Subsections 1-401, 1-403, and 1-717 was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Representative Sandra Golden of the Akfvske District. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this law will change various portions of MCN law regarding juvenile defendants and hearings involving the termination of parental rights.
NCA 25-033 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 6, Chapter 3, entitled “Protection from Domestic and Family Violence Act” was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. of the Okmulke District. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this law will provide a child testifying as a witness in a case to receive adequate support by allowing either a therapy dog or a support person to be present when they testify.
NCA 25-034 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation creating a new subsection in MCNCA Title 27, Chapter 2, Subsection 2-135, entitled “Confidentiality of Peer Support Communications” to permit confidential law enforcement peer support counseling was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Representative Robert Hufft of the Tvlse District and was co-sponsored by Representative Leonard Gouge of the Tvlse District. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this law will provide private peer support counseling to members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Lighthorse Police Department.
NCA 25-035 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14, Chapter 2, Subchapter 5, entitled “Controlled Dangerous Substances” for Subsections 2-512, 2-513, and 2-517 was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Rep. Hufft. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this law will change the amounts of drugs or paraphernalia required to receive a trafficking charge, as well as change the types of sentencing for certain drugs or drug paraphernalia.
NCA 25-036 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a budget modification in excess of ten percent (10%) for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court for the FY 2025 budget was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Rep. Hufft. It was passed with a vote of 3-0.
If adopted, this law will increase the budget of the MCN District Court by more than ten percent in order to fulfill certain contractual obligations.
TR 25-022 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute confidential settlement agreements to settle litigation claims against certain defendants per court order was passed by the committee. The law was sponsored by Rep. Hufft. It was passed with a vote of 3-0-1.
If adopted, this resolution will allow the Principal Chief to settle an ongoing legal case involving the Muscogee Nation.
Referred Legislation:
NCA 25-014 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing MCNCA Title 35, Chapter 9, entitled “Special Appropriations Guidelines” and amending MCNCA Title 35, Chapter 12, entitled “Donations”, to the amount of $135,000.00, was approved by the committee. The law and funding source was sponsored by Rep. Barnett and co-sponsored by Representative Robyn Whitecloud of the Okmulke District.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
