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BADGES for Native Communities Act

1/14/2025, 6:13 PM

Summary of Bill S 465

The BADGES for Native Communities Act, also known as Bill 118 s 465, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve public safety in Native American communities by providing funding for the hiring and training of additional law enforcement officers.

Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act aims to address the shortage of law enforcement personnel in Native American communities by authorizing the Department of Justice to award grants to tribal governments for the recruitment, hiring, and training of new officers. These grants would also be used to provide ongoing training and support for existing law enforcement personnel in order to enhance their effectiveness in addressing crime and ensuring public safety.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the establishment of a national database of missing and murdered Native Americans, as well as the creation of a task force to address the issue of violence against indigenous women and girls. These measures are intended to improve the coordination and response of law enforcement agencies in cases involving Native American victims. Overall, the BADGES for Native Communities Act seeks to address the unique public safety challenges faced by Native American communities and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in these areas. By providing funding for additional officers, training, and support services, this legislation aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime in Native American communities across the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 465

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.

Current Status of Bill S 465

Bill S 465 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since December 16, 2024. Bill S 465 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 16, 2023.  Bill S 465's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 465

Total Number of Sponsors
11
Democrat Sponsors
11
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
7
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
7
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 465

Primary Policy Focus

Native Americans

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight
- Criminal justice information and records
- Employment and training programs
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Indian social and development programs
- Intergovernmental relations
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Missing persons
- Personnel records

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 465

BADGES for Native Communities Act
Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act
BADGES for Native Communities Act
A bill to require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians, and for other purposes.

Comments

Ezekiel Watts profile image

Ezekiel Watts

425

1 year ago

I don't think this is a good idea at all. It just doesn't sit right with me, you know? I feel like there are better ways to handle this whole situation. Just my two cents.

Hadley Blanton profile image

Hadley Blanton

562

1 year ago

This bill is a complete disaster! It's going to have a huge negative impact on Native communities, including my own here in MN. It's unbelievable that they would even consider passing such a harmful piece of legislation. I can't believe this is happening. It's just wrong.