Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed his support following Governor Gavin Newsom's approval of Assembly Bill (AB) 2695. The new law mandates that law enforcement agencies collect and report data on crimes occurring on Indian lands to the California Department of Justice. This initiative aims to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis and enhance public safety in Indian Country and nearby communities.

Authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, AB 2695 marks a significant step in California's efforts to gather clear data on MMIP cases.

"I want to thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 2695 into law," said Attorney General Bonta. "For the first time in California, law enforcement agencies will be required to collect data on crimes occurring on Indian lands and report that information to my office. This will help all of us develop data-driven strategies to end the MMIP crisis in our state and improve justice for tribal citizens."

Assemblymember Ramos highlighted the importance of this measure, stating, "This measure will help California deal with the lack of clear data about MMIP and where domestic violence occurs. That information will better inform us about how to deal with this issue as California ranks fifth in the nation in MMIP unresolved cases."

The full text of the legislation is available online.