Bill Bolstering Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force Becomes State Law

While Montana is one of only a few states to have a dedicated Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, the inability of that organization to accept funding has hamstrung its efforts. That will soon change thanks to a new state law.

Brought by Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning, House Bill 83 establishes a state special revenue account, allowing the task force to receive donations, grants, gifts and other money for training, equipment and operational expenses. The bill also appropriates $1 in state funding to get the new account started. HB 83 sailed through the House and Senate and was signed into law Thursday by the governor. It takes effect July 1.

Established by the state Legislature in 2019, the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force analyzes missing persons data and makes recommendations to the Legislature. The body also oversees a grant that supports tribal colleges in creating missing persons databases. Tribal community members from across the state serve on the task force alongside representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement.

Experts say Montana is an epicenter of the national Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. While Native Americans comprise about 6.7 percent of Montana’s population, as of Friday they accounted for 24 percent of the state’s active missing persons population.