MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Thursday, Aug. 20, the Business, Finance, and Justice Committee held an in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 26-063 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to utilize a letter of intent template in connection with future business acquisitions and providing a limited waiver of sovereign immunity regarding governing law and venue. Representative William Lowe sponsored the bill. It was postponed until the next BFJ committee meeting, 4-0.
Rep. Lowe made a motion to go into executive session, and afterward motioned to postpone the legislation until the next BFJ committee meeting. If adopted by the full council, the letter of intent would contain a waiver of sovereign immunity regarding governing law and a waiver of sovereign immunity regarding venue.
NCA 26-131 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14, Chapter 2, Subchapter 3 entitled “Crimes Against Person” and creating new law in MCNCA Title 14 §§ 2-350, entitled “Obscenity, Threats, or Harassment by Telephone or Other Electronic Communication”, 2-351, entitled “Domestic Abuse Against a Pregnant Person”, and 2-352, entitled “Domestic Abuse Resulting in Great Bodily Harm” Rep. Lowe sponsored the bill. It passed 4-0.
If adopted by the full council, it would add language to define the terms “strangulation,” “stalking,” and “harassment.” It defines the term “strangulation” as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding breathing or circulation of blood flow by applying pressure to the throat or neck. The term “stalking” is defined as a crime committed by a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person. There was no discussion on this legislation.
NCA 26-132 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14 § 1-601, entitled “Sentence and Judgment.” Rep. Lowe sponsored the legislation. It passed as a substitute 4-0.
The amendment will add language to the law. After a defendant enters a plea of guilty or is found guilty, the court will order the defendant to be remanded to Lighthorse custody. The court can then grant release on bail pending the sentence. The court must also hear convincing evidence that the defendant is not likely to flee or endanger public safety. There was no discussion on this legislation
NCA 26-133 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving a continuing budget ordinance and providing for appropriations and authorization for expenditure for FY 2027. Representative Lucian Tiger sponsored the legislation. It passed 4-0.
During the discussion, Rep. Tiger explained that this is a continued resolution for the FY 2027 annual budget. The legislation states that the 2027 annual budget has been delayed due to funding requests and projected revenues.
Representative Robert Hufft moved to enter executive session.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
