Committee approves bill to create Native American ombuds office under attorney general

The Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 308, which would create a Native American Ombuds office to identify, investigate and help resolve concerns about services provided to Native Americans. The committee approved an amendment moving the office from the Department of Indian Affairs to the Office of the Attorney General and adding an emergency clause.

Sponsor Senator Pinto said the ombuds office would provide an independent point of contact for complaints and outreach for tribes, pueblos and Native individuals. "Putting the ombudsman into the Attorney General's Department seemed like it would be a better fit," Pinto said during committee discussion.

Supporters including Carol Miller, who worked on a rural equity ombuds proposal, said locating the office in the Attorney General's office could improve statewide outreach and enforcement. Miller suggested additional funding could enable an online intake system and expanded outreach to Tribal communities.

The committee adopted a technical amendment changing placement of the office and adding the emergency clause; the amendment was moved to a due-pass vote and approved. Committee members then voted to pass the amended bill out of committee.

The fiscal note discussed personnel costs for establishing the office; sponsors said the initial appropriation in the bill is intended to cover staffing and start-up expenses as the office establishes procedures and outreach. The committee record shows unanimous committee support recorded on the roll call for the due-pass motion.