Oklahoma Senate Overrides Governor’s Vetoes on Tribal Compacts, Preserving Revenue and Sovereignty
The Oklahoma State Senate has voted to override two of Governor Kevin Stitt’s vetoes on tribal compacts related to vehicle registration and tobacco sales on tribal lands. The bipartisan decision, with a vote of 34-7, will ensure that the compacts remain in effect, preserving both revenue and tribal sovereignty.
State Senator Mary Boren, representing Norman, stated that the tribes value good governance and prefer to maintain the agreements with the State of Oklahoma, rather than allowing them to expire and risk a lengthy legal process to resolve the issue.
Earlier, the Oklahoma House of Representatives had already voted to override one of Governor Stitt’s vetoes. However, they must reconvene by July 31 for a final override vote on the remaining veto. The bipartisan support for the veto overrides demonstrates a united front in the face of opposition from critics who argue that the legislature should not be involved in negotiating compacts.
State Senator Nathan Dahm, from Broken Arrow, emphasized that the power to negotiate compacts lies solely with the governor. He voted against the override, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of going against established negotiation processes.
Another point of contention raised by opponents of the override is the uncertainty caused by the recent U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision. The decision confirmed tribal nation boundaries in the eastern half of Oklahoma, leading to questions about the implications for ongoing agreements. State Senator Pro Tem Greg Treat, representing Edmond, argued that overriding the vetoes would grant the governor the authority to revisit negotiations for one more year.
Governor Stitt had previously accused the tribes of seeking more revenue for themselves by insisting that all tribal agreements account for the McGirt decision, specifically in relation to tribal land. The governor wants agreements to solely pertain to trust land, which belongs to tribal governments and their business ventures.
In response to the Senate’s override of his vetoes, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and highlighted the importance of preserving the carefully negotiated compacts, which have benefited both Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation for decades. He urged the Oklahoma House to promptly complete the veto overrides, alleviating the uncertainty faced by citizens and businesses.
Governor Stitt’s office issued a statement in response to the override, indicating a continued difference in opinion between his administration and the tribes regarding revenue sharing. The governor maintains that he is acting in the best interest of all Oklahomans.
As the legislators reconvene to conduct the final override vote, the outcome will determine the future of the tribal compacts. The bipartisan decision thus far signifies a commitment to preserving both revenue streams and tribal sovereignty, while also highlighting the ongoing disagreements and challenges in negotiations between the state government and the tribes.
