H.R.2150 - Tracking and Reporting Absent Community-Members Everywhere Act; TRACE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2150, the TRACE Act, directs the Attorney General to include a data field in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) to indicate if a missing person's last known location or unidentified remains were found on federal land. This includes specific location details about the unit of federal land. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress on these cases, disaggregated by the federal land management agency with jurisdiction.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the TRACE Act will be improved data collection and reporting regarding missing persons and unidentified remains found on federal lands. This enhanced data could lead to better resource allocation for search and rescue operations and investigations. The annual reports will provide transparency and allow Congress to assess the scope of the issue.
Potential Benefits
- Improved tracking of missing persons cases on federal lands.
- Better allocation of resources for search and rescue operations.
- Increased transparency through annual reports to Congress.
- Potential for identifying patterns or trends related to missing persons on federal lands.
- Enhanced ability to locate and identify human remains.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the National Institute of Justice and the Attorney General's office.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection and storage of location data, although the bill focuses on federal land.
- Limited impact if the data collected is not effectively utilized for improved search and rescue efforts or investigations.
- The cost of implementing and maintaining the new data field and reporting requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The TRACE Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. While the Constitution does not explicitly address missing persons databases, Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to federal lands and law enforcement. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).