Senate passes legislation to recognize Tribal Court decisions

The Senate passed legislation this week that provides respect for Indian tribes that interact with Iowans.

The legislation requires Iowa courts to recognize orders and judgments issued by Indian Tribal Courts, essentially providing for enforcement of those judgments.

Iowa law already recognizes certain types of Tribal Court rulings and requires state courts to provide “full faith and credit” to these rulings.

Senate File 430 extends full faith and credit of Tribal Court rulings to a broad range of cases. However, the Tribal Court must also grant full faith and credit to Iowa courts.

Iowans can be proud of this positive step the Senate has taken to recognize, enforce, and respect Tribal Court decisions.