Bill > HR1010

This bill, known as the BADGES for Native Communities Act, aims to improve federal law enforcement's response to missing or murdered Indigenous persons by establishing several key initiatives. The bill creates a Tribal facilitator position within the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to help coordinate reporting, provide technical assistance, and improve tracking of missing persons, unclaimed remains, and unidentified remains cases involving Native communities. It requires the Department of Justice to submit annual reports on law enforcement personnel resources in Indian country, including staffing needs, vacancy rates, and strategic goals. The bill also establishes a grant program to help Indian Tribes and relevant organizations create centers to document and track missing persons cases, sexual violence cases, and death investigations, as well as improve coordination between federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement. Additionally, the bill mandates a GAO study on evidence collection and processing procedures 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 legislation seeks to address long-standing challenges in investigating and responding to crimes affecting Native communities by improving data collection, interagency cooperation, and support for law enforcement personnel.