Byline: Braden Harper/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Regular Session was held in person and via teleconference on Aug 27 at the Mound Building.
The National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 22-075 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 27, Chapter 1, entitled “Authorities, jurisdiction, and applicable law,” by adopting the standards, rights, and responsibilities defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, requiring that all services offered by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are accessible to its citizens with disabilities. The bill was sponsored by Representative Sandra Golden and was adopted unanimously, 15-0.
The law will adopt and adhere to the prohibitions against discrimination, and the standards, rights, and responsibilities enumerated by the ADA, ADAAA, and the RA. The law will ensure MCN Citizens with disabilities can access all services the Nation provides. Still, it will not subject MCN to federal or state oversight and enforcement.
NCA 22-088 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 35, Chapter 12, entitled “donations.” Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted with a vote of 10-5
Donations to political candidates will no longer be permitted exclusively by the National Council. A donation committee will review all donation requests from political candidates.
NCA 22-089 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation creating new law by establishing “Government Relations” in MCNCA Title 25, Chapter 6, and appropriating funds for the remaining fiscal year 2022. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted with a vote of 9-6.
This law will establish government relations with the Secretary of the Nation & Commerce. It would allow a sustained and more efficient way to communicate with and donate to local, state, and federal political candidates.
A donation committee will be established to review political candidates under consideration for donations. The five-member committee will examine campaign literature, conduct regular meetings, vote on contributions, and ensure donations do not exceed maximum legal limits.
The legislation states that $50,000 will be used to implement the donation committee.
NCA 22-091 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to benefit the Family Violence Prevention Program. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the bill unanimously adopted, 15-0.
The grant will be awarded to the Family Violence Prevention Program for $500,000. It will be used to strengthen the tribal court system to increase victim safety and offender accountability and reduce access to firearms by domestic violence offenders on the reservation. Crime victimization awareness will be increased. Justice System personnel will be highly trained to enhance responses to crime victimization and increase public safety.
NCA 22-092 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 36 “Taxation and Revenue,” Chapter 4 “Sales Tax Code” and establishing a new subsection § 4-111 entitled “Credit for State Sales Tax Collected.” Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill unanimously adopted, 15-0.
Cannabidiol (CBD), under MCN Law, will be defined as a nonpsychoactive component derived from the cannabis plant or produced synthetically. CBD, Medical Marijuana, and all other forms of marijuana will be defined as “goods” or “items of value.”
Various vendor licenses’ start and end dates are defined within the bill. All licenses are required to pay sales tax. Credits for state sales taxes will be collected as well.
NCA 22-094 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to the Mound Building Oversight Committee for the maintenance and upkeep of the Mound Building. The bill was sponsored by Representative Joseph Hicks, co-sponsored by Rep. Gouge and Speaker William Lowe. It was adopted with a vote of 15-0.
Routine supplies and services that are required to continue daily utilization of the building include HVAC, icemaker filters, lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, paper towels, tissue, plumbing services, and installation of seasonal lighting. An appropriation of $200,000 will be used to replenish the Mound Building Oversight Committee.
For a video of the MCN National Council, visit www.mcnnc.com.
