Under new legislation, tribal courts would be able to protect child victims of domestic abuse in Indian Country. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed three bills Wednesday intended to improve tribes’ safety.
The Tribal Youth and Community Protection Act extends authority so tribes can prosecute offenders who commit domestic violence crimes that involve children. The 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Actextended similar jurisdiction to prosecute assault crimes against women, but not children.
The committee also passed the Tribal Law and Order Reauthorization Act. Along with providing more money for tribal officers, this bill would mandate juvenile justice reform that would consider alternatives to incarceration. State courts are twice as likely to incarcerate Native American youth for minor crimes than any other racial or ethnic group.
The committee also passed the Tribal Forestry Participation and Protection Act. The bill is intended to improve forest management and communication between tribes and federal agencies.
The bills must still make their way through Congress before they reach President Obama’s desk.
