Oklahoma Supreme Court finds tribal compacts invalid

The court has ruled that Governor Kevin Stitt overstepped his authority when negotiating tribal compacts in December 2019.

US.- The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that the new tribal gaming compacts signed by Governor Kevin Stitt are invalid without approval from the Joint Committee.

In December 2019, Gov. Stitt negotiated compacts with the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Kialegee Tribal Town.

But according to the Supreme Court, entering into the compacts under different terms than the Model Gaming Compact and without approval from the Joint Committee deems them invalid.

The Modal Gaming Compact was approved by voters in 2004. Since Gov. Stitt failed to consult the Joint Committee, he effectively disrupted the balance between the executive and legislative branches of government, the court found.

The case was raised by speaker of the house Charles McCall and senate president pro tempore Greg Treat.

Oklahoma recently appointed city attorney Ryan Leonard as special counsel for Native American affairs in the state. Leonard works with Gov. Stitt on issues concerning tribal affairs in the state.