Stigler Act Amendments of 2018

Became Public Law No: 115-399.

Bill 115 hr 2606, also known as the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018, is a piece of legislation that aims to amend the Stigler Act of 1947. The Stigler Act, also known as the Act for the Protection of the People of the State of Oklahoma, currently restricts the inheritance of land within the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma to only those individuals who are at least one-half Indian blood.

The proposed amendments in Bill 115 hr 2606 seek to modify these restrictions by allowing for the equal distribution of land to all heirs, regardless of their degree of Indian blood. This change is intended to address concerns about the unequal treatment of heirs under the current law and to promote fairness and equality within the Five Civilized Tribes.

The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of a commission to oversee the implementation of the amendments and to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account. Additionally, the bill includes measures to protect the rights of individuals who have already inherited land under the current law. Overall, the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018 aim to modernize and reform the existing law in order to better serve the needs of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma and to promote a more equitable distribution of land among tribal members.