OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance and Justice Committee meeting was held in person and via teleconference on June 9 at the Mound Building.
All legislation will go before the full Council during the regular session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-101 – Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fiscal Year 2022 Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant for the Office of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the bill, which passed unanimously 4-0.
The NABDI Grant will be used for an economic impact study, as described fully in the Project Narrative. The results of the Feasibility Study will be used to identify and support future economic development planning to best benefit Muscogee (Creek) citizens and the communities in which they reside.
NCA 22-059 – A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 37, chapter 3, subchapter eight entitled “Drug-Free Workplace” and creating new subsection § 3-813 entitled “Medical Marijuana License Holder Protection and Non-Discrimination”. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was unanimously voted to postpone until the next BFJ Committee meeting.
If passed, the law would allow the use of medical marijuana by MCN employees who hold a medical marijuana license by the Oklahoma State Department of Health without risk of corrective action. (Drivers employed with the Transit Department are excluded) MCN employees are still not permitted to use, possess, or be under the influence of medical marijuana during work hours. The bill was previously postponed from the May 12 BFJ Committee meeting.
NCA 22-065 – A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 49 § 1-105 entitled “Editorial Board.” The bill was sponsored by Rep. Golden, which narrowly failed to pass 2-3.
The bill would have amended the eligibility for editorial board members who would be required to reside in Oklahoma.
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. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill and it was unanimously voted to postpone it until the next BFJ meeting 4-0.
Referred Legislation:
NCA 22-074 – A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to be used toward the purchase of property located in Hughes County, Oklahoma. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, which was approved.
Funds will be appropriated for $315,000.00 for costs associated with the purchase of the property, including the cost of title insurance, title opinions, surveys, environmental studies, and applicable taxes.
For video of committee meetings visit: www.mcnnc.com.
