KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | Navajo Council ups power for legislative counsel

Navajo Council ups power for legislative counsel

Associated Press - January 29, 2010 4:55 PM ET

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The top lawyer for the Navajo Nation's legislative branch can issue opinions, contract with outside attorneys and enforce election codes under a measure passed by tribal lawmakers.

The Tribal Council voted 67-6 in favor of a bill this week that turns over power to the legislative counsel that had been reserved for the attorney general in legislative branch matters.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. has 10 days to veto or approve the measure once it reaches his desk.

The bill's sponsor had contended that the tribe's current attorney general is biased toward the council and that the legislative counsel would better represent lawmakers.

Other lawmakers questioned how conflicts created when dueling opinions are issued would be resolved.

The council wraps up its winter session Friday.

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