S.1038 - Tracking and Reporting Absent Community-Members Everywhere Act; TRACE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1038, the TRACE Act, directs the Attorney General to include a data field in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) to indicate whether the last known location of a missing person was confirmed or suspected to be on Federal land. This includes specific location details about the unit of Federal land. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress on the number of cases involving missing persons on Federal land.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be improved data collection and reporting related to missing persons cases on Federal lands. This enhanced data may facilitate better resource allocation for search and rescue operations. It may also lead to a better understanding of the factors contributing to these cases.
Potential Benefits
- Improved tracking of missing persons cases on Federal lands.
- Enhanced data for resource allocation in search and rescue operations.
- Increased awareness and understanding of the issue of missing persons on Federal lands.
- Better informed policy decisions related to public safety on Federal lands.
- Potential for more effective prevention strategies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on 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.
- The act does not address the underlying causes of why people go missing on Federal lands.
- Potential costs associated with implementing and maintaining the new data field in NamUs.
Constitutional Alignment
The TRACE Act appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to enact laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers. The Act's focus on data collection and reporting falls within the scope of Congress's legislative authority. There are no apparent infringements on individual liberties or rights as defined by the Bill of Rights.
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).