Pro Tem Treat, House Speaker McCall thank Supreme Court for gaming ruling

OKLAHOMA CITY – In response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court today declaring recent gaming agreements void under Oklahoma law, legislative leaders issued the following statements:

“This ruling confirms what we have maintained all along: There are parameters defined by statute that must be followed in the negotiation of and entering into tribal gaming compacts. This has always been about preserving the separation of powers among the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. When one branch of government acts outside of its authority, the other branches must take steps to restore the balance of power. This is a victory for the rule of law and preserves the foundational principle of checks and balances upon which our government is based.” – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

“We appreciate the court’s quick decision and look forward to all parties proceeding in a mutually beneficial manner for Oklahoma and all sovereign tribal nations. From the start, this was about separation of powers, and the Supreme Court affirmed as much with a decisive ruling. Oklahoma and its tribal nations can move forward from this together as partners, as we have done for decades with great success.” – House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka

The ruling can be found here.