The bill establishes a cold case investigations unit within the Washington State Attorney General's office specifically aimed at addressing unsolved cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and people. It highlights the alarming rates of violence and disappearance faced by American Indian and Alaska Native women, noting that they are murdered at rates significantly higher than the national average. The unit will assist federal, municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies in solving these cold cases, particularly in jurisdictions lacking sufficient resources. The bill emphasizes the importance of a culturally attuned, trauma-informed approach in its operations.

Additionally, the cold case investigations unit will work in conjunction with the existing homicide investigations tracking system (HITS) to enhance the resolution of violent crimes. It will include an advocate or case navigator dedicated to maintaining communication with the families of victims, ensuring that they are informed and supported throughout the investigative process. The bill does not alter the Attorney General's existing authority to investigate and prosecute crimes but aims to expand resources and support for law enforcement agencies dealing with these critical cases.