BADGES for Native Communities Act

Improved Case Tracking: The appointment of a Tribal facilitator will help coordinate the reporting and documentation of missing persons, unclaimed remains, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes (Section 101).

Technical Assistance and Training: Tribal facilitators will provide training to Indian Tribes, medical examiners, coroners, and Tribal justice officials regarding information gathering and reporting (Section 101).

Addressing Resource Shortages: The bill requires a report on unmet staffing needs for various personnel, such as criminal investigators and crime victim services staff, at Tribal and Bureau justice agencies (Section 102).

Expedited Employment Background Checks: A demonstration program will allow the Secretary to conduct or adjudicate personnel background investigations and security clearances for Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement applicants (Section 201).

Enhanced Coordination through Grants: A new grant program will allow Tribes and relevant organizations to establish centers for documenting and tracking missing persons and sexual violence cases, or to create rapid notification systems (Section 202).

Mental Health and Wellness Support: The bill coordinates efforts to ensure that culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to law enforcement officers working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs or an Indian Tribe (Section 204).

Temporary Nature of Background Check Program: The demonstration program for conducting personnel background investigations and security clearance determinations for Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement positions is scheduled to terminate 5 years after it begins (Section 201).

State Eligibility Restrictions: States seeking grants through the response coordination program must demonstrate that they report missing persons cases to national crime information databases or have a plan to do so (Section 202).