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US S1853

US S1853
BADGES for Native Communities Act Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act


summary

Introduced
06/13/2019
In Committee
12/11/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

A bill to require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians, and for other purposes. This bill modifies policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians. Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to share information, after receiving certain permission, with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) on missing persons, unclaimed remains, and unidentified remains; ensure that technical assistance and training are provided to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal law enforcement agencies to utilize the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other national databases; establish the Tribal Civil and Criminal Information Access Program to enhance the ability of tribal governments to access, enter information into, and obtain information from federal criminal information databases; establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes; and work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and BIA law enforcement officers experiencing occupational stress. The bill expands access to (1) the national crime information database for NamUs, and (2) the NCIC for each tribal justice official. Finally, the Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA.

AI Summary

This bill, the Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act, modifies policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Native Americans. Key provisions include: requiring the Department of Justice to share information with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs); establishing a tribal liaison program for NamUs and a tribal access program for federal criminal information databases; requiring reports on Indian country law enforcement personnel resources and needs; creating a demonstration program for background investigations of Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement applicants; and establishing a grant program to enhance tribal and state responses to cases of missing persons and deaths of interest to tribes.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 476. (on 06/04/2020)

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