This bill aims to enhance the collection and management of data related to missing persons, particularly focusing on indigenous individuals in North Dakota. It establishes a new "missing indigenous people task force," chaired by the attorney general, which will include representatives from various state agencies and federally recognized tribes. The task force is tasked with identifying jurisdictional barriers, causes of missing and murdered indigenous people, and improving interagency communication. Additionally, it will administer a missing indigenous people grant fund and submit annual reports detailing its activities and findings.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the criminal justice data information sharing system, expanding its advisory board to include representatives from indigenous communities. It mandates the creation of a missing person repository that will include demographic data related to indigenous people, ensuring that this information is accessible to authorized users. The bill provides for a continuing appropriation of $250,000 to support the efforts of tribes in identifying and reporting missing indigenous individuals, with an expiration date set for July 31, 2035.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-12-34
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Brown: 54-12-34
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-12-34