DeLaney and Dvorak bill extending full faith and credit to tribal court orders heats to governor’s desk

INDIANAPOLIS – A bill extending full faith and credit to tribal court orders heads to Governor Holcomb’s desk today after passing the Indiana Senate with unanimous support. House Bill 1441 would solidify an agreement between Indiana and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribe honoring each other's judicial decisions.

The author, State Representative Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), and co-author State Representative Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend) released the following statement: 

“We must honor the decisions of our tribal courts the same way we do with Illinois, Ohio or any other independent state,” DeLaney said. “Today marks a step forward in doing this while fortifying a relationship rooted in trust and mutual respect. It is a win-win. By partnering with tribal courts, Indiana can expand on our overextended criminal justice resources, while ensuring culturally aware and effective solutions to crime. I am thankful for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ continued collaboration and look forward to Governor Holcomb’s support of this innovative public safety measure.”  

“Throughout our history, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi have faced great adversity to maintain their rightful place as an integral part of our community,” Dvorak said. “Indiana’s tribal nations are an essential aspect of our state’s, and particularly South Bend’s, culture, economy, politics and governance. This agreement recognizes the importance of Pokagon involvement in judicial proceedings and law enforcement to create communities that are safer and fairer for all. It is my hope that this legislation will encourage continued collaboration between the Tribe, the State of Indiana and all Hoosiers. Today's vote is too long delayed, but a powerful statement on the sovereignty of tribes.”