OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation released a statement to say “Thank You” to the State Legislature in the vote to override the Governors veto of House Bill 3501 during a Regular Session on May 27.
The bill was created to increase the coordination of data between agencies within tribal and state judicial systems to promote public safety specifically regarding the Department of Public Safety.
Since McGirt, criminals convicted of certain crimes in tribal courts have not been deprived of driving privileges in cases where the state courts would suspend, revoke, or terminate.
This can only be due to the lack of cooperation on the states part, as licensing is still a privilege of the state.
It was openly expressed by Rep. Ryan Martinez that Governor Kevin Stitt displays “racist and hateful behavior” towards tribes concerning his veto of this bill.
Martinez said one could assume that the Gov.’s behavior is getting in the way of good public policy.
The bill would benefit the safety of all Oklahomans and all roadways within the state, as said by Rep. David Hardin who drafted the bill.
Hardin stated that the Choctaw Nation proposed the idea to him hoping it help bridge the gap where Stitt places his personal opinions between himself and tribal leaders.
“We need to put our emotions aside and work with the tribes,” said Hardin.
He claims that DPS was in full support.
“I asked, ‘Are you good with this bill,’ or ‘Do you support this legislation,’ and I was told ‘Yes, we think it’s a good bill,” said Hardin.
The veto was overridden with a vote of 125 ayes and 8 nays.
Full statement from the MCN:
“Thank you to the Oklahoma Legislature, whose members didn’t let Governor Stitt get in the way of an important new public-safety law. Today they handily overrode his veto of HB3501. The bill improves public safety for all by recognizing tribal-court convictions.”
View previous coverage at https://www.mvskokemedia.com/mcn-responds-to-stitts-veto-of-public-safety-bill/.
History for HB 3501 can be viewed at http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3501&Session=2200.
