BADGES for Native Communities Act

Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act

This bill revises federal 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 (1) 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 (2) 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers experiencing occupational stress.

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.

The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.

The BADGES for Native Communities Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1292, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. This bill aims to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people by providing resources and support to Native American communities.

The main provisions of the BADGES for Native Communities Act include the establishment of a commission to study and make recommendations on how to improve the response to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The bill also calls for the creation of a national database to track these cases and improve coordination between law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the BADGES for Native Communities Act seeks to increase funding for tribal law enforcement agencies and improve training for officers working in Native American communities. The bill also includes provisions to enhance victim services and support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Overall, the BADGES for Native Communities Act aims to address the systemic issues that have led to high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the United States. By providing resources, support, and improved coordination, this legislation seeks to better protect Native American communities and ensure justice for those who have been victimized.