March 12, 2024
| Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after his legislation, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act was marked up and agreed to by the House Committee on Natural Resources. “This legislation is key in improving hiring and retention among tribal law enforcement that are facing numerous challenges, including missing and murdered indigenous women and girls as well as the radically worsening opioid crisis. I want to make sure they have the resources they need to confront these issues head on,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “I am proud to have this bill move out of committee, and I thank Chairman Bruce Westerman for his support on such an important issue to tribes in Central Washington and across the country.” Rep. Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources said, “As Western Caucus Chairman, Rep. Newhouse is familiar with the issues that many tribal nations face across our country. His Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is an important step in recognizing the work of our brave tribal law enforcement officers and ensuring they have access to the same federal benefits that all federal officers are granted.” “This legislation will help keep our tribal lands safe and secure while supporting courageous law enforcement officers across the United States. I look forward to working with Rep. Newhouse to help move this bill through Congress and ultimately into law.” The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will: Authorize tribal officers acting under a 638 contract or compact to be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications, including having completed certain training and background investigation requirements that are comparable to BIA law enforcement officers. This action would eliminate the need for Indian tribes to enter Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) agreements, which are currently required under existing for tribal officers to enforce federal law and have proven administratively burdensome for tribes to obtain. Treat tribal law enforcement officers acting under a 638 contract or compact as federal law enforcement officers for purposes of other federal laws, including for benefits applicable to federal law enforcement officers for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits. Tribal law enforcement officers are currently not eligible for these federal benefit programs and including tribal officers will enhance tribes’ ability to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural areas. Provide for the Secretary of the Interior to implement procedures for credentialing tribal officers and for the Attorney General to coordinate training and reporting activities. The legislation has been marked up and awaits further action by the full House. The full bill text as approved by the House Committee on Natural Resources can be found here. |