WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Law and Order Committee convened their regular meeting on April 1  to discuss concerns about crime in border towns that impact nearby Navajo communities.

LOC member Council Delegate Herman Daniels Jr. (Tsah Bii Kin, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, Oljato) highlighted issues such as children playing in unsafe abandoned buildings, particularly in Halchita, Utah and increasing incidents of dog attacks on people and livestock.

“Halchita, Utah is a small community, in the middle of the housing there is an abandoned DNA building, the building is run down, burned and unsafe and there are children who go in there every night,” he said.

He recommended a joint meeting between the LOC and the Resources and Development Committee to discuss the safety issues.

During the April 1 meeting, LOC members also considered Legislation No. 0040-24, co-sponsored by LOC Vice Chair Cherilyn Yazzie, which seeks to amend Rule 9(A) of the Rules of Order for Standing Committees of the Navajo Nation Council, related to the “Reading of Legislation.”

The proposed amendments would limit the reading of legislation required in Rule 9(A) to one mandatory reading only, with a second reading of legislation conducted only if directed by the Chairperson of the standing committee.

LOC issued a “do pass” recommendation for Legislation No. 0040-24 with a vote of 2 in favor and 0 opposed with the Chair not voting. The 25th Navajo Nation Council has final authority over this legislation.

The committee plans to convene a special meeting with relevant stakeholders to finalize the updates to the Álchini Bi Beehaz’Áannii Act, with a schedule forthcoming. Additionally, a directive was issued for a joint meeting with RDC to discuss issues surrounding border towns like Halchita, Utah, to address abandoned building safety, animal control laws, and other pertinent issues affecting community well-being.

The committee reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety and prosperity of Navajo Nation residents and announced plans to request reports on substance abuse trends, law enforcement activities, and measures to address violence in chapter meetings.