Oklahoma tribes have achieved a temporary victory in their ongoing dispute with Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, as the Oklahoma Senate successfully overrode the governor's vetoes on tribal compact extensions. These compacts, which pertain to revenue sharing from tobacco products and motor vehicle registrations on tribal lands, were set to expire at the end of 2023. With the Senate's support, the compacts have been extended, much to the delight of tribal leaders who view this as a crucial step in preserving their sovereignty and decades-old agreements.
Senate Overrides Governor's Vetoes
The Senate's recent override of Stitt's vetoes on Senate Bill 26 and House Bill 1005 secured the extension on motor vehicle registration compacts and now awaits a final override vote in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. expressed his gratitude for the Senate's bipartisan supermajority that supported the extensions, highlighting the importance of cooperation and respect for tribal sovereignty. This move sends a clear message that the governor's stance of conflict over cooperation with tribes is not shared by the majority.
Renegotiation Opportunities
The approved extension allows tribes and the state to continue renegotiating the compacts. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat emphasized that the legislature could intervene in the negotiation process if Governor Stitt persists in his contentious approach. This probationary period aims to assess Stitt's willingness to engage in genuine negotiations, and the legislature stands ready to make necessary changes if negotiations prove unproductive.
Tribe-Government Collaboration
The veto overrides mark a clear contrast in negotiating strategies between Governor Stitt and the state legislature. While the governor has often challenged tribal jurisdiction and attempted to renegotiate compacts, the legislature's recent action reflects a commitment to a cooperative approach. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby expressed his appreciation for the legislative involvement and stressed the tribe's dedication to fostering open and honest dialogue in pursuit of a durable compact agreement.
Governor Stitt's Concerns
Governor Stitt's apprehensions center around the language used in the new tobacco compacts proposed by tribes. He fears that some of the proposed language could harm non-Native retailers in the region recognized as an existing Native reservation by the landmark McGirt decision of 2020. However, the primary difference in these proposed contracts lies in the sale of tribal tobacco products, with the governor's preference for sales limited to trust lands and tribes advocating for inclusion on fee lands as well.
The Senate's override of Governor Stitt's vetoes on tribal compact extensions marks a significant milestone for Oklahoma tribes in their ongoing negotiations. The legislature's support for extending the compacts signifies a commitment to respectful collaboration with tribes and upholding their sovereignty. As the state continues to navigate these complex negotiations, tribes remain steadfast in their pursuit of durable agreements while respecting the needs of all parties involved.
