Navajo Nation Council Unanimously Approves Rules of Order Amendments for Spring Session

The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted 17 in favor and none opposed on March 5 to approve Legislation No. 0006-26, amending the Navajo Nation Council Rules of Order in a package of procedural changes that will take effect when the body convenes for its 2026 Spring Council Session.

The road to passage was not straightforward. During the 2026 Winter Council Session, the Council initially voted to send the legislation back to the Naabik'íyáti' Committee rather than advance it. The committee's Title Two Reform Subcommittee then conducted a formal assessment of the Rules of Order before returning with recommended changes.

Council Delegate George H. Tolth, who sponsored Legislation No. 0006-26, credited the subcommittee's work with making the final product viable. "I commend the Naabik'íyáti' Committee Title Two Reform Subcommittee for taking the time to assess the Rules of Order and implement changes that streamline processes and address problematic language," Tolth said.

The amendments touch nearly every dimension of how the Council conducts business on the floor. According to a Navajo Nation Council press release dated March 7, 2026, the changes address the conduct of Council delegates, sanctions for disorderly behavior, the authorities of the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, agenda procedures, debate and motions, points of privilege and order, voting procedures, suspension of floor rules, appeals of decisions, reports to the Council, and recess procedures.

Council Delegate Claw confirmed the timeline for implementation. "The amendments to the Navajo Nation Council Rules of Order will take effect during the 2026 Spring Council Session," Claw said.

The Navajo Nation Council serves as final authority for the legislation, meaning the 17-0 vote from Window Rock concludes the approval process without requiring additional sign-off. The Gallup Sun published a summary of the Council's action on March 9, 2026.

Reporters seeking additional information from the 25th Navajo Nation Council Office of the Speaker can reach the media contact listed in the official release at nnlb.communications@gmail.com.