Okla. Stat. tit. 74, § 74-1221

Cooperative agreements - Surface water and/or groundwater resources.

A. The State of Oklahoma acknowledges federal recognition of

Indian tribes recognized by the Department of Interior, Bureau of

Indian Affairs.

B. The State of Oklahoma recognizes the unique status of Indian

tribes within the federal government and shall work in a spirit of

cooperation with all federally recognized Indian tribes in

furtherance of federal policy for the benefit of both the State of

Oklahoma and tribal governments.

C. 1. The Governor is authorized to negotiate and enter into

cooperative agreements on behalf of this state with federally

recognized Indian tribal governments within this state to address

issues of mutual interest. The Governor may elect to name a

designee who shall have authority to negotiate and enter into

cooperative agreements on behalf of the state with federally

recognized Indian tribes as provided for in this section. Except as

otherwise provided by this subsection, such agreements shall become

effective upon approval by the Joint Committee on State-Tribal

Relations.

2. If the cooperative agreements specified and authorized by

paragraph 1 of this subsection involve trust responsibilities,

approval by the Secretary of the Interior or designee shall be

required.

3. Any cooperative agreement specified and authorized by

paragraph 1 of this subsection involving the surface water and/or

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 74. State Government Page 745

groundwater resources of this state or which in whole or in part

apportions surface and/or groundwater ownership shall become

effective only upon the consent of the Oklahoma Legislature

authorizing such cooperative agreement.

D. 1. The governing board of a political subdivision of this

state is authorized to negotiate and enter into intergovernmental

cooperative agreements in behalf of the political subdivision, with

a federally recognized Indian tribal government within this state to

address issues of mutual interest. Except as otherwise provided by

this subsection, such agreements shall be effective upon approval by

the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations and the Governor, or

the designee of the Governor.

2. Agreements for juvenile detention facilities made pursuant

to Section 2-3-103 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes shall

become effective upon approval by the board of county commissioners.

3. Any cooperative agreement specified and authorized by

paragraph 1 of this subsection involving the surface water and/or

groundwater resources of this state shall become effective only upon

the consent of the Oklahoma Legislature authorizing such cooperative

agreement.

4. Agreements between the Military Department of the State of

Oklahoma and an Indian tribe for the management or operation of a

juvenile facility shall not be subject to the requirements of this

section.

5. Agreements between the Department of Transportation of the

State of Oklahoma and an Indian tribe or the Oklahoma Turnpike

Authority and an Indian tribe for the maintenance and construction

of transportation facilities, roads or bridges shall not be subject

to the requirements of this section.

E. An executed original of every agreement approved pursuant to

this section shall be filed with the Secretary of State. A copy of

every agreement shall be filed with the Office of Tribal Relations

within the Oklahoma Historical Society.