AB 2279: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Justice Program.

Existing law establishes the Department of Justice, and makes the department responsible, in part, for overseeing statewide criminal justice programs.

Existing law requires the Department of Justice to provide technical assistance to local law enforcement agencies and tribal governments relating to tribal issues, including providing guidance for law enforcement education and training on policing and criminal investigations on Indian lands, providing guidance on improving crime reporting, crime statistics, criminal procedures, and investigative tools, and facilitating and supporting improved communication between local law enforcement agencies and tribal governments.

This bill would establish a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Justice Program within and under the discretion of the Department of Justice, upon appropriation by the Legislature. The bill would impose specified responsibilities on the program, including acting as a liaison between tribal governments, families, and other law enforcement agencies. The bill, until January 1, 2029, if there are any remaining funds available after the use of funds for the establishment of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Justice Program, would require the department to submit an annual report to both houses of the Legislature containing data on the number of and facts about cases involving missing and murdered indigenous persons in California.