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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of Indian Affairs (OIA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 136 appropriates $80.0 from the general fund to the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs to provide peacemaker services and staff support for these services to the Navajo Nation chapters in San Juan County.

Significant Issues

House Bill 136 appropriates funds to provide services for Native American traditional and culturally-based mediation in civil disputes between community members. The bill specifies that the peacemaking services are to be provided at chapters located in San Juan County only. A provision of the bill also specifies that the appropriation is not to be expended on indirect costs of administering the peacemaker program, other than the costs of the district court located in Ship Rock.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation in House Bill 136 is for expenditure in fiscal year 2001. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of the fiscal year will revert to the general fund. In addition, the appropriation is specifically for use on indirect costs of administering the peacemaker program rather than for administrative costs by the Shiprock office.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The OIA would have to negotiate a Joint Powers Agreement with a recognized governmental entity to contract for the peacemaker services.

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