This bill proposes the establishment of a "feather alert notice system" in North Dakota, aimed at quickly disseminating information about missing indigenous individuals through the emergency alert system. The superintendent, in collaboration with the bureau of criminal investigation and the division of state radio, will oversee the activation of this alert system upon request from law enforcement agencies. The operational plan for the system will include broadcasting alerts in indigenous languages when necessary, and the Indian affairs commission will manage the implementation and serve as a liaison among tribal, state, and federal agencies. Additionally, the superintendent will work with representatives from federally recognized tribes to promote public understanding of the system and hold annual meetings to discuss improvements.

The bill also amends section 54-35-23 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the committee on tribal and state relations. It adds a requirement for the committee to evaluate the feather alert notice system as part of its duties. Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $250,000 from the state general fund to the Indian affairs commission for the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of the feather alert notice system, as well as funding for one full-time equivalent position for the upcoming biennium.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-35-23