OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held the monthly Business, Finance and Justice Committee session at the Mound Building on Dec. 7.
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 23-125 Confirming the nomination of Alexandra Masters to serve as the District Trial Court Judge for the family law division (including child support) of the District Trial Court of the MCN. Representative Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 2-1-0.
Masters will go before the full council during the regular session before the council votes to adopt legislation.
TR 23-126 Approving the gaming licenses regulation submitted by the MCN Gaming Commission. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The MCN Public Gaming Commission performs regulatory oversight and monitors compliance. The bill will go before the full council during the December regular session.
NCA 23-145 Amending MCNCA Title 50 § 1-107 entitled “Commission Composition”. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the legislation, which was postponed indefinitely 3-0.
An amendment to the bill would allow for members of other federally-recognized tribes to serve on the commission.
NCA 23-158 Authorizing the expenditure of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Services (COPS), 2023 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Grant program and appropriating tribal funds for the tribal match for the benefit of the MCN Lighthorse Department. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The Council adopted TR 23-037 which committed a match from the tribe of 25% which amounts to $1,898,544. The grant funds will be used to hire 14 LPD officers and two LPD School Resource Officers.
NCA 23-159 Amending NCA 23-107 (Approving the Comprehensive Annual Budget for fiscal year 2024 and providing for appropriations) as amended by NCA 23-148. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The budget increased the gaming funds from $136,757,987 to $137,334,295. Total tribal funds were increased from $451,687,294, to $452,263,602. An increase was made for the Interior Affairs Department from $20,980,919 to $21,557,227. The expenditure increased from $451,687,294 to $452,263,602.
Referred Legislation:
NCA 23-155 Authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and appropriating the tribal match for the benefit of the MCN Food Distribution Program. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was forwarded from the Health, Education and Welfare Committee. The funding source for this bill was approved.
NCA 23-160 Authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the MCN Citizenship Office’s fiscal year 2024 budget. Representative Joyce Deere sponsored the legislation, which was forwarded from the Health, Education and Welfare Committee. The funding source for this bill was approved.
Other Business:
Rep. Hicks motioned for an executive session, which was passed.
Business involving Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises and Looped Square Meat Company was also discussed.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
