Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

11/9/2024, 1:58 AM

Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

This bill treats certain tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers under specified circumstances.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the law enforcement officers of any Indian tribe that has contracted or compacted any or all federal law enforcement functions through the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to enforce federal law within the tribe's jurisdiction if those officers meet certain qualifications. These qualifications include completing training and passing an adjudicated background investigation.

Further, the bill deems a tribal law enforcement officer who is acting under an authorized contract or compact as a federal law enforcement officer for the purposes of certain federal laws, including for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits.

The Department of the Interior must (1) develop procedures for credentialing tribal officers to confirm these officers meet minimum certification standards and training requirements for Indian country peace officers, and (2) promulgate guidance to implement this bill.

The bill also requires the Department of Justice to coordinate and provide oversight for its functions and programs to ensure a coordinated approach for public safety in Indian communities.

Bill 118 hr 4524, also known as the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the disparities in funding and resources between tribal law enforcement agencies and other law enforcement agencies in the United States.

The bill aims to provide tribal law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources and support to effectively carry out their duties and protect their communities. This includes increasing funding for training, equipment, and personnel, as well as improving coordination and communication between tribal and non-tribal law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act seeks to address the jurisdictional challenges that tribal law enforcement agencies often face when dealing with crimes that occur on tribal lands. The bill aims to clarify and strengthen the authority of tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes that occur within their jurisdictions. Overall, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a bipartisan effort to ensure that tribal law enforcement agencies have the resources and support they need to effectively serve and protect their communities. It is an important step towards addressing the disparities that exist between tribal and non-tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 4524

Introduced on
2023-07-10

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/10/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

This bill treats certain tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers under specified circumstances.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the law enforcement officers of any Indian tribe that has contracted or compacted any or all federal law enforcement functions through the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to enforce federal law within the tribe's jurisdiction if those officers meet certain qualifications. These qualifications include completing training and passing an adjudicated background investigation.

Further, the bill deems a tribal law enforcement officer who is acting under an authorized contract or compact as a federal law enforcement officer for the purposes of certain federal laws, including for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits.

The Department of the Interior must (1) develop procedures for credentialing tribal officers to confirm these officers meet minimum certification standards and training requirements for Indian country peace officers, and (2) promulgate guidance to implement this bill.

The bill also requires the Department of Justice to coordinate and provide oversight for its functions and programs to ensure a coordinated approach for public safety in Indian communities.

Bill 118 hr 4524, also known as the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the disparities in funding and resources between tribal law enforcement agencies and other law enforcement agencies in the United States.

The bill aims to provide tribal law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources and support to effectively carry out their duties and protect their communities. This includes increasing funding for training, equipment, and personnel, as well as improving coordination and communication between tribal and non-tribal law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act seeks to address the jurisdictional challenges that tribal law enforcement agencies often face when dealing with crimes that occur on tribal lands. The bill aims to clarify and strengthen the authority of tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes that occur within their jurisdictions. Overall, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a bipartisan effort to ensure that tribal law enforcement agencies have the resources and support they need to effectively serve and protect their communities. It is an important step towards addressing the disparities that exist between tribal and non-tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act to provide for advancements in public safety services to Indian communities, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Native Americans

Potential Impact
Congressional oversight•
Employment and training programs•
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management•
Indian social and development programs•
Intergovernmental relations•
Law enforcement administration and funding•
Law enforcement officers

Comments

APPROVED
HM
Harmoni McMahon
@aonori_glenkinchie_kynross37007
I think this bill is good for tribal law enforcement but I'm not sure how it will work. Will it help tribes have more resources to keep their communities safe? Who benefits from this bill?

APPROVED
MS
Matilda Strickland
@auchentoshan_grains_of_selim_durian02522
What's this bill about again?

APPROVED
CH
Cynthia Hartman
@epi_fig_lismore50665
This bill bad for me and my state. It not fair to us.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/20/2023

Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

This bill treats certain tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers under specified circumstances.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the law enforcement...


Latest Action10/25/2024
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-718, Part I.