Rep. Leger Fernandez Introduces BADGES Act to Help Solve Cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is waiting for review by several House committees. Nothing has happened with this proposal since February 2025, which means it has been stalled for over a year. It is unlikely to move forward because most bills do not receive a committee vote.
This bill has support from both Democrats and Republicans and deals with a major safety issue. However, it has been sent to four different committees, which can make it harder to pass quickly.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Federal law enforcement officers assigned to Indian country would see new reporting requirements but also benefit from better staffing assessments that could lead to reduced caseloads if vacancies are filled. BIA law enforcement applicants would benefit from a faster background check process under the demonstration program. Officers working in tribal areas would also gain access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs.
“to ensure that Federal training materials and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are locally or regionally available to law enforcement officers working for the Office of Justice Services of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or an Indian Tribe”
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Senate unanimously approved the BADGES for Native Communities Act to address staffing shortages in Tribal law enforcement and improve resources for missing persons cases. The bill requires Tribal facilitators for outreach and authorizes the BIA to conduct its own background checks for hiring.
Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and John Hoeven reintroduced the bipartisan BADGES Act to strengthen Tribal law enforcement. The legislation seeks to increase Tribal access to the NamUs system and requires a comprehensive report on law enforcement needs, including staffing and infrastructure.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved a package of bills including the BADGES for Native Communities Act. The bill aims to support the recruitment of BIA law enforcement officers, boost federal missing persons resources, and provide tools for tribes and states to combat violence.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
BADGES for Native Communities Act
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