One of the standing legislative committees on the Navajo Nation voted this week in favor of a measure that supports the congressional legislation.
The legislation is in response to the 2016 deadly abduction of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike on the Navajo Nation.
The high profile case raised questions about gaps in communication and coordination between tribal and local law enforcement.
Tribal members have testified about the need for the Navajo Nation to establish its own comprehensive system to remain accountable and responsible for the protection of Navajo children, rather than relying on state entities.