WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved Legislation No. 0125-25, establishing revised procedures for oversight committee budget meetings for use in Fiscal Year 2026 and future budget cycles, June 26. The legislation also formally rescinds the previously adopted budget procedures approved under Resolution NABIJA-04-25.
Sponsored by Speaker Crystalyne Curley, the resolution provides a standardized framework for budget meetings across all oversight committees, aligning with the Navajo Nation’s FY2026 budget calendar. The new procedures define roles and responsibilities of committee members and program officials, clarify submission timelines and documentation standards, and introduce new protocols to enhance transparency and accountability.
“These are the steps we need to take before conducting our oversight budget meetings,” Curley said. “The legislation outlines roles and responsibilities of officials, document submission details, and supporting materials. These procedures align with the FY2026 Budget Calendar. We must adopt these procedures before we entertain oversight program’s budgets. This resolution defines a uniform hearing structure and brings consistency to our budget process.”
Delegate Shaandiin Parrish emphasized the need for flexibility and successfully requested for the removal of a clause that restricted budget meetings to five consecutive days.
“That particular language limits the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee,” she said. “To ensure we can adapt to delays and hold additional meetings when necessary, that section needed to be removed.”
Legislation No. 0125-25 addresses gaps in the former budget procedures, such as the lack of clear timelines and format standards. The updated procedures set expectations for document submissions, mandates ethical reminders, and incorporates hybrid capabilities for remote participation.
Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie successfully motioned for an amendment that reminds budget presenters that submitting false information may result in ethics violations under 2 N.N.C. §§ 3741–3793. It also requires responses to follow-up questions within 24 hours and includes a summary of approved amendments in the oversight committee’s report.
“We’re reinforcing the importance of transparency and timeliness,” Yazzie said. “This amendment promotes accountability and aligns with the Budget Instructions Manual and the tone at the top.”
Legislation No. 0125-25 passed with a vote of 14 in favor and none opposed with the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee holding final authority.
