UtahH.B. 612026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Navajo Trust Fund Amendments

Sponsored By: Christine F. Watkins (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Government RecordsIndian AffairsGovernment Operations (State Issues)Constitutional OfficersState TreasurerTribal Nations Within Utah

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Annual budget and clear accounting for fund

Beginning May 6, 2026, the trust administrator and Diné Advisory Committee set a yearly needs list and budget before each fiscal year. The board must approve the budget. Each year, the administrator projects money available for programs. The fund uses GAAP accounting. At every meeting, the board and advisory committee get a summary of receipts, spending, and investments.

Funds target Navajo needs in San Juan

Beginning May 6, 2026, the fund pays only for the health, education, and general welfare of Navajo Indians who live in San Juan County. Roads and utilities are allowed uses. This keeps money focused on local families’ core needs.

Ethics rules for fund staff

Beginning May 6, 2026, the trust administrator creates an ethics and conflict-of-interest policy that avoids even the appearance of impropriety. The administrator, staff, and Diné Advisory Committee members must sign a written acknowledgment to follow it, and the administrator keeps those records.

Three-member state board oversees the trust

Beginning May 6, 2026, the board has three members: the state treasurer (chair), the finance director, and the governor’s budget director or designee. All three must attend for a quorum. Members are unpaid but get per diem and travel under state rules. The board acts as the state’s trustee and meets at least quarterly. It approves administrator policies and reviews receipts, spending, and investments. The Attorney General serves as legal counsel and attends meetings. The board may consult state staff for technical advice.

Investment records kept private

Beginning May 6, 2026, records about the fund’s investment activities are exempt from Utah’s public records law. The public cannot obtain those investment documents. This protects sensitive investment information but reduces transparency.

Stronger oversight and reports on programs

Beginning May 6, 2026, the administrator reviews funded programs for practicality and cost-efficiency and gets regular progress reports. The board reviews those program reports. The administrator must certify each expenditure meets fiduciary duties. The administrator attends board and Diné Advisory Committee meetings and can call extra advisory meetings when needed. The administrator reports to the board quarterly, which is less often than before. Each year, state, tribal, and federal leaders receive a detailed written report.

Trust administrator and operating costs

Beginning May 6, 2026, the board hires a trust administrator through the Utah Procurement Code or by direct hire if a qualified contract is not available at a reasonable cost. The board or administrator may add support staff. The administrator reviews fund history and revenue sources, identifies fund property, and keeps a full records and retention system. Under board direction, the administrator may contract with public or private groups and may acquire and hold money and property. Administrative expenses may be paid from the fund, which reduces money available for programs.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christine F. Watkins

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Ronald M. Winterton

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Senate/ circled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Senate/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote 1/30/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote 1/22/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 74 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    3/23/2026
  2. House/ to Governor

    3/17/2026House
  3. House/ received enrolled bill from Printing

    3/17/2026House
  4. House/ enrolled bill to Printing

    2/19/2026House
  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

    2/19/2026
  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

    2/10/2026
  7. Bill Received from House for Enrolling

    2/10/2026
  8. House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling

    2/9/2026House
  9. House/ received from Senate

    2/9/2026House
  10. Senate/ to House

    2/6/2026Senate
  11. Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House

    2/6/2026Senate
  12. Senate/ passed 3rd reading

    2/6/2026Senate
  13. Senate/ 3rd reading

    2/6/2026Senate
  14. Senate/ passed 2nd reading

    2/5/2026Senate
  15. Senate/ uncircled

    2/5/2026Senate
  16. Senate/ circled

    2/5/2026Senate
  17. Senate/ 2nd reading

    2/5/2026Senate
  18. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

    2/2/2026Senate
  19. Senate/ committee report favorable

    2/2/2026Senate
  20. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

    1/30/2026
  21. Senate/ to standing committee

    1/27/2026Senate
  22. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

    1/23/2026Senate
  23. Senate/ received from House

    1/22/2026Senate
  24. House/ to Senate

    1/22/2026House
  25. House/ passed 3rd reading

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    2/19/2026

  • Introduced

    12/22/2025

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in