Reps. Ilhan Omar, Sharice Davids, and Raúl Grijalva Introduce Tribal Courts Support Act to Strengthen Tribal Justice Systems

WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced the Tribal Courts Support Act, aimed at streamlining and improving the assessment process for tribal courts seeking support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). This legislation addresses longstanding issues in the current system that have led to delays and inefficiencies in establishing and funding tribal courts.

The Tribal Courts Support Act would allow for a more efficient assessment process by the BIA's Office of Tribal Justice Support (TJS), differentiating between assessments for establishing new tribal courts and those for additional funding of existing courts. It also calls for a Government Accountability Office review to recommend improvements to better serve the diverse needs of tribal communities.

"Tribal justice systems are essential to tribal sovereignty and public safety in Indian Country," said Rep. Omar. "This bill will remove unnecessary administrative barriers and expedite the process for tribes to establish and strengthen their courts. It's a crucial step towards supporting tribal self-governance and ensuring that tribes have the resources they need to keep their communities safe."

"Tribal courts are critical to self-governance and public safety in Indian Country, yet they continue to face administrative barriers that keep them from being established and operating effectively," said Rep. Grijalva. "The Tribal Courts Support Act would improve the tribal court assessment process, making it more efficient and accessible for tribes. I applaud Congresswoman Omar for her leadership on this issue and thank her for her partnership in ensuring that unnecessary administrative burdens are no longer a barrier in tribes' ability to keep their communities safe."

"Tribal courts are vital to ensuring justice and safety within Native American communities, but they have long faced unnecessary administrative hurdles," said Rep. Davids. "The Tribal Court Support Act would streamline the process for establishing and funding these courts, ensuring they have the resources necessary to better support tribal sovereignty and public safety. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this important effort."

"Tribal courts are vital for ensuring the well-being and long-term success of Native American communities. Recently, two federal Commissions, The Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Sobleff Commission on Native Children and the Not Invisible Act Commission, released reports that speak to the importance of mandatory funding that is both adequate and flexible as integral to support justice in Indian Country," said The National American Indian Court Judges Association. "In part, because funding is tied to the Act, the process for tribal court assessments should be timely, efficient, and culturally responsive. This bill is one step in the right direction for the federal government to uphold its trust responsibility."

The Tribal Court Support Act addresses the current "one-size-fits-all" assessment approach, which has proven inefficient in addressing the unique needs of diverse tribal courts. By allowing for expedited assessments for new courts and mandating a review of the funding process, the bill aims to better serve the varied needs of tribal communities while respecting their individual histories, cultures, and traditions.

This legislation has been endorsed by The National American Indian Court Judges Association.

The full bill text can be found here.