State of Oklahoma ex rel. Stitt v. City of Tulsa

Summary

The Oklahoma Supreme Court assumed original jurisdiction and granted the State’s request for a writ of mandamus and declaratory relief, holding that Tulsa’s settlement agreement with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is invalid because it lacks the statutory approvals required for intergovernmental cooperative agreements. The Court reasoned that the agreement is a distinct, independent contract rather than an extension of a prior cross‑deputization agreement, and therefore must comply with the approval provisions of 74 O.S.2021 §1221. The decision emphasizes the public‑interest urgency and the need for early resolution. The Court’s order compels Tulsa to obtain the necessary approvals before proceeding with the settlement.