Senate advances bill to restructure Utah Navajo trust-fund oversight

The Utah Senate passed first substitute SB 90, a measure to revise administration of the Utah Navajo Trust Fund and provide chapter representation, state-finance oversight and clarified permitted uses of the fund for health, education and general welfare.

Senator Van Tassel, sponsor of the bill, told the Senate the measure is the product of many years of work to ensure Utah Navajo funds remain dedicated to Utah Navajo needs and are not moved elsewhere. "We have spent the last 6 years looking for that and have not been able to find that to be taken care of," the sponsor said, describing outreach to chapters in San Juan County and agreement from the seven chapters that supported the approach.

The first substitute creates a council with chapter representation (larger chapters get two representatives, smaller chapters one), includes participation by the Division of Finance and the state treasurer and requires an attorney general designee to provide counsel and protect the state's interests. Sponsors said expenditures were limited to health, education and general welfare for Navajo residents in San Juan County and that the structure balances tribal input with state fiscal oversight.

Floor speakers, including Senator Hilliard and Senator Hankins, praised the sponsor's long effort and described broad support among chapter leaders and local officials. The Senate recorded a roll call that read first substitute SB 90 for third time after a 27–0 recorded vote and prepared the bill for final processing.

What happens next: With passage in the Senate, SB 90 will be transmitted to the House for its consideration; sponsors said they will continue to work with chapters and county partners on implementation details and oversight roles.