New Law Enhances Notification Alert System for Locating Missing Native Americans

California Strengthens Feather Alert System for Missing Indigenous Persons

In a move designed to enhance the safety of Indigenous communities throughout California, Governor Gavin Newsom has officially enacted AB 2348. This pivotal legislation amends the state’s Feather Alert notification system—akin to the widely recognized AMBER and Silver alerts—by mandating expedient responses from law enforcement agencies and facilitating direct communication between tribal governments and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

At the forefront of this legislative initiative is Assemblymember James C. Ramos, a Democrat from San Bernardino. Ramos previously introduced Assembly Bill 1314, which laid the groundwork for the Feather Alert system in 2022. This alert system was established to notify the public about individuals from Indigenous communities who go missing, a concern that has been amplified by ongoing discussions about the disproportionate violence and disappearances affecting Native American populations.

“Since the inception of the Feather Alert nearly two years ago, we’ve identified areas for improvement, particularly regarding accessibility for tribal communities,” Ramos noted. His insights stem from a thorough analysis conducted after the system’s initial rollout, which revealed that while the intent is significant, the execution needed fine-tuning.

To date, tribal communities have made five formal requests to activate a Feather Alert. However, the CHP, in consultation with local law enforcement, approved activation in just two of those cases. Tragically, of the two alerts that were issued, only one individual was successfully located. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for a more responsive and efficient system, as families await news of their loved ones.

The newly enacted AB 2348 addresses these gaps by streamlining the protocol for activating Feather Alerts. It eliminates existing ambiguities about how and when an alert can be requested, ensuring that tribal governments can initiate direct communication with the CHP when they believe someone is missing under specific conditions. Under the new legislation, local law enforcement will be required to respond within a strict 24-hour timeframe to any requests for alert activation.

“This bill will serve as a vital tool for quicker activation of Feather Alerts,” said Ramos. He emphasizes the importance of having law enforcement determine the viability of an alert within a day. “This 24-hour window is crucial for tribal partners and their families, as time is of the essence when searching for missing individuals. Earlier this year, we reviewed the system’s effectiveness and actively engaged with tribal members and law enforcement to ensure that this notification system operates smoothly and serves its intended purpose.”

The impact of AB 2348 extends beyond just procedural improvements. It also acknowledges and respects the sovereignty of tribal governments, empowering them to be more proactive in their efforts to locate missing individuals. The legislation is a step towards fostering a more collaborative relationship between state resources and tribal communities, addressing the unique challenges these groups face in the ongoing struggle for safety and support.

Moreover, the Feather Alert system reflects a broader commitment from the state of California to raise awareness about the specific vulnerabilities of Indigenous peoples. Missing persons cases involving Native Americans often do not receive the same level of media attention or urgency as other cases. This systemic oversight is part of a historical context that has marginalized Indigenous voices and issues, making legislation like AB 2348 a critical component of contemporary efforts to protect lives.

In conclusion, the enactment of AB 2348 not only bolsters the Feather Alert system but also shines a light on the ongoing issues of missing and murdered Indigenous persons in California. As communities await news of their loved ones, the changes brought by this new law symbolize hope: a commitment to act swiftly, communicate openly, and ensure that no individual, regardless of their background, is left behind in times of crisis. For families grappling with the stress and uncertainty of a missing person, every moment counted can make all the difference.