NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

NM Office of Indian Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SB 425 appropriates $3,000.0 from the general fund to the NM Office of Indian Affairs (OIA) for expenditure in FY 01 for Navajo social services program.

Significant Issues

According to the Office of Indian Affairs, the bill would require the Navajo Nation to enter into an agreement with the Human Services Department that provides for appropriate administrative, accounting and oversight activities. However, the bill provides funds for social service programs and the administrative needs for those programs would be more appropriately addressed by Children Youth and Families Department.

The type of social service needs of the Navajo Nation is not fully described in the bill or analysis done by the Office of Indian Affairs. For example, will the program offer foster care, child protective services, child care and/or adult protective services? Is the assistance limited to accounting and oversight of funds or does it include providing services and\or program supervision?

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Any unencumbered or unexpended balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the GF.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Office of Indian Affairs does not anticipate any increase in administrative costs.

LMK/prr