South Dakota House Bill HCR6014

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/22
• Refer: 2/25/22
• Report Pass: 3/2/22
• Engrossed: 3/7/22
• Enrolled: 3/9/22

Caption

Urging the federal government to fulfill treaty obligations by fully funding the Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Departments of Public Safety for the public safety crisis on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux Reservations.

Impact

The resolution draws attention to the alarming statistics indicating a significant number of violent crimes, including homicides and missing persons reports on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Specifically, it notes that the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Department of Public Safety is underfunded by 60%, leading to insufficient law enforcement personnel who are overwhelmed by emergency demands. This critical lack of resources is shown to directly affect the safety and security of tribal members, signaling a need for the federal government to amend its funding formulas to better meet the community's demands.

Summary

HCR6014 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the federal government to fulfill its treaty obligations by providing adequate funding to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Departments of Public Safety. The resolution highlights a critical public safety crisis affecting both the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux Reservations in South Dakota. It stresses that both tribes have been severely underfunded, which impedes their ability to maintain adequate law enforcement staffing and respond effectively to emergency calls.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR6014 appears to be overwhelmingly supportive among the legislative members who voted on it, as evidenced by a unanimous passing with 33 votes in favor and none against. This resolution represents a collective recognition of ongoing challenges faced by tribal law enforcement and the urgent need for federal support. By calling attention to these issues, the bill reflects a broader advocacy for improved public safety conditions and a commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty.

Contention

Despite the support for HCR6014, there may be underlying contention given the historical context of federal funding and treaty obligations towards tribal nations. Critics may argue about the effectiveness of federal funding initiatives and express concerns over the systemic issues that have led to the prevailing public safety crisis. Even though the resolution serves as a call to action, discussions regarding the appropriateness of funding levels, allocation strategies, and long-term solutions to address the root causes of underfunding are likely to emerge.