Winter Session's agenda features variety of topics

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Gaming, water rights and information technology are just a few of the topics on the Navajo Nation Council agenda for Winter Session, Jan. 23-27.

The Ethics & Rules Committee adopted the proposed agenda Friday following a presentation by Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan.

In addition to receiving the State of the Nation Address from Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., Council will receive oral and written reports from 16 other presenters. All reports, by Navajo Nation law, are to be heard on the first day of the session, according to Karen Francis, public information officer for the Office of the Speaker.

Among scheduled presenters are U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, R-1st District, who is to deliver an oral report on the state of congressional issues and their impacts on the Navajo people.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is expected to report on statewide problems associated with methamphetamine. Goddard's report will be followed by an oral report from Apache County Sheriff Brian Hounshell regarding law enforcement activities associated with the Navajo Nation portion of Apache County.

Other reports on the agenda related to law enforcement include a presentation from the Public Safety Committee on findings and recommendations related to enacting a death penalty on the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation Water Commission and the Navajo Department of Water Resources will present both oral and written reports on the state of Navajo Nation water rights negotiations and related matters, while Navajo Environmental Protection Agency will report on the Nation's "Treatment as a State."

Norman Brown of Diné Bidziil will address Council on concerns and efforts to improve the livelihood of Navajo families and communities. Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow will offer a presentation on the involvement of ASU and the Navajo Nation.

Other reports will be presented by Edward Lockett Jr., executive director of the Navajo Nation Gaming Regulatory Office, on the status of gaming on the Nation; Speaker Morgan, Chief Justice Herb Yazzie and reports from the standing committees, boards and commission will be presented in written form.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Services and Navajo Department of Information Technology also will present written reports.

Old business
Several pieces of legislation which have made the rounds of Council a time or two before are scheduled to resurface during Winter Session, including the Health Commitment Act, and legislation to approve the transfer of excess federal land, facilities and infrastructure around the former Fort Defiance Hospital from IHS to the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation has been trying to come up with a Health Commitment Act since 1987. Randall Ramsey, court solicitor, said that over the years there have been numerous individuals working on the commitment act. Finally, in 2001 Council directed that the act be drafted and presented to Council.

"This thing has been reviewed, redrafted, reviewed and redrafted," Ramsey said after two attempts to pass the legislation in fall 2004. Regardless, the need for the legislation is obvious, he believes.

"There are just too many individuals out there that we don't know how to handle them in the courts, in the Judicial Branch. They need a process for handling these individuals who present a substantial harm to themselves or others. It's not only the mentally ill, it's people with HIV," Ramsey said.

Also under old business is legislation to approve the Navajo Nation Council Budget Session Rules of Order.

New business
Items falling under new business include a supplementary appropriation to the Judicial Branch of $2.9 million to cover recurring costs; a supplemental appropriation to Rehoboth Christian School for $150,000 to support Native American studies; amendments to Title 2 of the Navajo Nation Code and an amendment to Title 11 regarding qualifications for office.

Orlanda Smith-Hodge is seeking passage of legislation which would rename a portion of U.S. Highway 191 the "Navajo Veterans Highway."

Also on the agenda are amendments to Title 12, including one which would establish a minimum fund balance for the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund of not less than 2 percent of the Nation's General Fund operating budget for the prior fiscal year.

Legislation to change the plan of operation for farm boards and amendments to the Nation's Finance Charge Rate Limitation Act also will be considered, along with several confirmations, appointments, and special recognitions.

Council also will take up legislation sponsored by Delegate Amos Johnson regarding support of a Navajo Long Walk National Historic Trail; legislation by Delegate Smith-Hodge to establish a three-year precinct residence requirement for council delegates and chapter officers, and legislation sponsored by Peterson Yazzie which would amend the Navajo Election Code to clarify and strengthen campaign expense reporting provisions.