Bill to honor tribal court rulings will likely become law
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 28th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MISSION – Senate Bill 183 is on its way to becoming law. The measure would give “full faith and credit” to tribal court rulings and orders and requires other courts within the state to honor them.
“It’s important because if you have someone who’s obtained a divorce, has child custody issues, or protective orders if those are issued by a tribal court at this point they wouldn’t necessarily be recognized,” Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Interim Deputy Executive Director Matthew Johnson said.
The federal government has recognized full faith and credit between states, which means tribal court orders issued in Oregon are honored by courts in other states if the person leaves Oregon. It is within states where the tribal courts are located that the orders aren’t always given full faith and credit.
“This will provide much more safety and clarity for individuals who have obtained their orders or judgements through tribal court,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s father, Judge William Johnson, has been working for the change for years and testified in Salem in favor of Senate Bill 183. The measure sailed through the Senate last month and is scheduled to be voted on by the House of Representatives today (Friday).
