MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Dec. 11, 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 25-122 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2025 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to support law enforcement agencies grant application for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department was passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the legislation.
If adopted, this resolution will allow the Nation to apply for and potentially receive a grant that will expand its Bodycam program for the MCN Lighthorse Police Department.
NCA 25-116 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing Title 16, Chapter 5, Subchapter 3 entitled, “Department of Tourism and Recreation” and amending MCNCA Title 16, Chapter 11 entitled, “Secretary of Commerce” and creating new subchapters to further reorganize the department and its functions was postponed indefinitely with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Barnett sponsored the legislation. The legislation was previously postponed on Nov. 6.
If adopted, this law will elaborate on the duties of the Secretary of Commerce and the purposes, duties, and responsibilities of the departments they oversee, including Recreation, Marketing, and Tourism.
NCA 25-122 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing an appropriation for the benefit of security on the Tribal Complex for Fiscal Year 2026 was postponed indefinitely with a vote of 4-0. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the legislation.
If adopted, this law will appropriate $982,839.00 for the purpose of continuing to provide security on the MCN Tribal Complex.
NCA 25-123 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation was passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Barnett sponsored the legislation.
If adopted, this law will allow the Office of the Secretary of the Nation to provide assistance in preparing income tax returns for those who are 59 and older, using $15,000 in grant funds.
NCA 25-124 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Internal Revenue Service for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation was passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Harjo sponsored the legislation.
If adopted, this law will allow the Office of the Secretary of the Nation to provide assistance in preparing income tax returns for those who are 60 and older, using $2,300 in grant funds.
NCA 25-125 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 35, Subsection 14-102 entitled “Annual appropriation” and authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the National Council FY 26 Budget was passed as an amended version with a vote of 3-2. Rep. Harjo sponsored the legislation. Rep. Barnett and Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. voted no. Representative Robert Hufft was the tie vote.
If adopted, this law will authorize the appropriation of money to increase the salaries of National Council members. The salary of the Speaker will be increased from $70,000 to $85,000, the salary of the Second Speaker will be increased from $47,000 to $80,000, and the salary of National Council Members will be increased from $47,000 to $75,000.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
