Gov. Stitt Responds To Legislation Related To Supreme Court Ruling On Tribal Jurisdiction

Gov. Kevin Stitt responded to legislation Rep. Tom Cole introduced that is related to a recent Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction.

Stitt said he was encouraged by the effort to address the issues facing Oklahoma.

“I am encouraged by efforts to address a portion of the unprecedented challenges forged by the McGirt decision through H.R. 3091. The decision has created a checkerboard of jurisdiction threatening public safety and the state’s ability to enforce its laws. As Governor, it is my duty to seek solutions that are in the best interest of all four million Oklahomans and after carefully reviewing the legislation, I have deep concerns about the bill in its current form. My first and foremost concern as Governor is public safety and I am fully committed to working with state leaders and our federal delegation to ensure the safety of all Oklahomans.”

Related Story: Oklahoma Congressman Introduces Bill On Tribal Jurisdiction Compacts

Federal legislation to allow the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations to compact with the state of Oklahoma on criminal justice was formally introduced on May 11 for Rep. Tom Cole, a Chickasaw and one of just a handful of Native Americans in Congress.

The 5-4 ruling stipulated that Congress never actually disestablished the Muscogee Nation and thus the federal government, not the state, had jurisdiction in any major crimes occurring within the tribe's former reservation boundaries. Rulings by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals expanded the ruling to apply to major crimes committed on Cherokee, Chickasaw, Chocktaw, and Seminole Nation land, as well.

Related Story: Congressman Cole Comments On Legislation To Provide Solution To McGirt Ruling