The proposed bill aims to enhance the collection of data on missing persons, particularly focusing on indigenous individuals, by establishing a Missing Indigenous People Task Force and amending existing laws related to criminal justice data sharing. The bill amends Section 54-12-34 of the North Dakota Century Code to include new members on the criminal justice information advisory board, specifically representatives from various indigenous tribes, while removing the provision that allowed for designees. Additionally, a new section is created to establish the Missing Indigenous People Task Force, which will be chaired by the attorney general and will include representatives from the state’s educational and law enforcement agencies, as well as tribal representatives. The task force is tasked with identifying jurisdictional barriers, causes of missing indigenous people, and improving interagency communication.

Furthermore, the bill provides for a continuing appropriation of $250,000 to support the efforts of federally recognized tribes in identifying and reporting missing indigenous individuals. It mandates the task force to submit an annual report detailing their activities, findings, and recommendations, including statistics on missing indigenous individuals and the effectiveness of the missing person repository. The bill also stipulates that the provisions will expire on July 31, 2035, unless renewed.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-12-34
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Brown: 54-12-34
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-12-34
Adopted by the Senate Workforce Development Committee: 54-12-34
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 54-12-34