House Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Improving law enforcement response to missing and murdered Native American women

The House Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on February 12, 2019,  and the House passed on March 5, 2019, HB 1713, improving law enforcement response to missing and murdered Native American women. Staff reported that the State Patrol will conduct studies, working with tribes, and report on June 1, 2019 and propose legislation. Two liaison positions are established, one each for Western and Eastern Washington, and recruits must be involved in tribal communities. A task force is also established including tribal and law enforcement representatives. The task force would draft protocols and guidance on the issue of missing and murdered Native American women. The task force would report to governor by December 1, 2019.

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Four action items from a previous legislative study were introduced: families felt helpless and will be supported by liaisons to help find missing women; putting liaisons in State Patrol offices will enhance searches; the State Patrol will coordinate with other states; and put an emergency clause on the bill to start soon. These are all incorporated in the bill. Some of the testimony:

• A Puyallup representative supported the bill, to address issue of violence; she noted that the murder rate of both men and women is high and men might also need liaison services. Domestic violence rates are high in state and need to be addressed in bill. Task force work could include additional issues such as homelessness.
• A number of witnesses testified to personal experiences with making missing person reports but having late or no response from law enforcements. They will need the liaisons to work better with law enforcement.
• A Colville representative mentioned that Native Americans are only 2% of WA population and most live in urban area; those living in cities have experienced frequent violence. The task force is urgently needed and should address broad issues of violence.
• A Klikkat representative (also chair of King County Native American Council) discussed domestic violence among Native Americans and called for broader representation.
• A Yakima representative mentioned actions by the Yakima nation to locate missing women, and supported the role of the liaisons in coordinate with tribal councils.
• Paul Benz (director of Faith Action Network) supported the bill and noted that the faith community has not always built bridges with Native Americans. He said that the liaisons with the State Patrol can heal the injuries suffered by Native Americans.
• A representative of Tulalip tribes and Urban Indians Northwest said the relationship with the state is a human rights issue, and the government needs more coordination with tribes, especially with urban Indians. Local law enforcement agencies must be included.