OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance, and Justice Committee meeting was held in person and via teleconference on Dec. 8 at the Mound Building. All legislation will go before the full Council during the next session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-177 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma for the shared use of courtrooms. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The additional courthouse space will enable the District Court to enhance and strengthen the timely and secure administration of justice to citizens. It will not transfer other rights, jurisdiction, responsibilities, or obligations to the Seminole Nation.
TR 22-178 Authorizing the execution of a sub-recipient contract for services – microgrant/subaward containing a waiver of sovereign immunity with the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The grant will award $39,060.00 to be used for the purchase of 14 Panasonic Toughbooks.
TR 22-179 Confirming the nomination of Shannon Prescott to serve as the District Tribal Court Judge for the Family Law Division (including Child Support) District Trial Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass with three votes in favor, zero against, and one abstained vote.
Prescott will serve a term as District Court Trial Judge for the Family Law Division (including Child Support) of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation until Dec. 31, 2026.
TR 22-180 Nominating Denette Mouser to serve as the District Trial Court Judge of the District Tribal Court Civil Division of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass with three votes in favor, zero against, and one abstained vote.
Mouser will serve as District Trial Court Judge of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Trial Court Civil Division until Dec. 31, 2026.
NCA 22-150 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the 2022 Native American Agriculture Fund Grant for the benefit of the Mvskoke Loan Fund. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The grant will award $50,000 to be used for the Mvskoke Loan Fund to provide the necessary capital to continue providing services and resources essential for Native farmers and ranchers. It will allow for improved access to credit and successfully grow their agribusiness.
NCA 22-151 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the District Attorney’s Council 2022 JAG-LLE Grant Award for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The grant will award $5,774.00 to purchase five body cameras and batteries.
NCA 22-152 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to purchase radio equipment for various departments. Speaker William Lowe sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The fund appropriation will allot $1,892,417.35 to MCN Lighthorse, Health, Transit, and the nation’s 911 call center to purchase L3 Harris System radios, equipment, and license.
NCA 22-153 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the comprehensive annual budget for the fiscal year 2023 and providing for appropriations. The bill was sponsored by Representative Randall Hicks and was approved for do pass 3-1.
The Principal Chief proposed the annual budget for NC approval. The National Council conducted budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2023 Comprehensive Annual Budget. All executive, legislative, and judicial budgets were approved in committee.
For video of committee meetings, visit www.mcnnc.com.
