NAVAJO COUNCIL CONTINUES DEBATE ON LEGISLATION 0462-12. SPONSOR IS DELEGATE ALTON SHEPHERD

DELEGATE EDMUND YAZZIE
We want this law to be strong but petty misdemenor not included. We shud include all tribal offenses. It appears that this Bill addresses only state offenses. Also federal offenses. When we convict in tribal, it can go into different areas. So include federal cases, like in Albuquerque federal court and also federal courts in Phoenix. I support this and Law & Order Committee working hard to strengthen laws and two Task Forces, one for Title 17 and 911.

DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
I’m into my third term and revising existing statute is difficult and cumbersome process. Most of the time, these amendments are piece meal, such as this legislation. In the Election code concerns raised for enforcement of these codes. There are proposed amendments section 21, (B)(3) which deletes language are clearly specified in Election Code. The deleted language located in another area of Navajo Code. Supreme Court ruled that power to decertify any elected official must be by statute and this legislation clarifies administrative decertification. It also wud address lack of process indicated in Finding Section. This action wud address those areas of concern. Agin, under SEction 240, Offenses for Removal, does not relax law, it safe guards. Regarding school board members, they have strict qualification and required for candidate to maintain all qualifications at all time, mainly cuz Board works with children.