MMIP response strengthened by new Montana laws

Montana lawmakers passed several new laws aimed at addressing the state’s disproportionately high number of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Native Americans make up 6.5% of the state’s population but account for 24% of active missing persons reports, according to the Montana Department of Justice.

Among the measures, House Bill 83 allows the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Advisory Council to receive donations and other funding, effective July 1. The council also received a $20,000 allocation in the state’s budget. House Bill 545 renames the group, removing “task force” from its title to reflect its advisory role. Senate Bill 107 requires the Montana Office of Public Instruction to create a curriculum on human trafficking prevention. House Joint Resolution 1 urges Congress to fully fund tribal law enforcement, though the governor has not confirmed whether he will send the requested letter according to Montana Free Press.