Bill > S390

This bill, known as the BADGES for Native Communities Act (Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act), aims to improve reporting, investigation, and support for missing and murdered Indigenous persons through several key provisions. The bill establishes a Tribal facilitator position within the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to coordinate reporting, provide technical assistance, and improve communication between law enforcement and Tribal organizations. It requires the Department of Justice to submit annual reports on law enforcement personnel resources in Indian country, including staffing levels, vacancy rates, and strategic goals. The bill creates a grant program to help states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations establish centers to track and investigate missing persons, sexual violence, and death investigations involving Native communities. Additionally, the legislation mandates a GAO study on evidence collection and processing by federal law enforcement agencies in Indian country and requires coordination between federal agencies to provide mental health and wellness resources for Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement officers. The bill defines numerous terms related to Native communities and aims to address systemic gaps in investigating and responding to cases involving Indigenous people.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/390/all-info