Bill Overview
Title: A bill to amend the Not Invisible Act of 2019 to extend, and provide additional support for, the activities of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice Joint Commission on Reducing Violent Crime Against Indians, and for other purposes.
Description: This act makes changes to the Joint Commission on Reducing Violent Crime Against Indians, which was established to increase intergovernmental coordination to identify and combat violent crime within Indian lands and against Indians. Specifically, the act extends the joint commission for an additional 18 months. It also extends the deadline, from 18 months to 36 months, for the joint commission to make publicly available and submit recommendations to the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, and specified congressional committees. Additionally, the act allows the joint commission to accept and use gifts or donations of services or property from Indian tribes or tribal entities, academic institutions, or other not-for-profit organizations.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: Native Americans
Estimated Size: 3500000
- The bill is focused on reducing violent crime against Indians, which implies it will impact the safety and wellbeing of Native Americans, particularly those living on Indian lands.
- Enhanced intergovernmental coordination and extended operations of the Joint Commission are likely to improve law enforcement and crime prevention strategies on Indian lands.
- The use of donations and services from Indian tribes and other entities could increase resources available to the commission, potentially leading to better outcomes for affected communities.
Reasoning
- The bill aims to improve safety and reduce violent crime within Native American communities. Given that about 350,000 to 700,000 Native Americans live on Indian lands, they will be the primary direct beneficiaries of the policy.
- The impact of the policy on general wellbeing will likely vary based on individual experiences with crime and safety concerns.
- Non-Native Americans might not be directly affected, but could experience indirect outcomes through improved intergovernmental relations or exposure to more inclusive safety policies.
- The budget constraints suggest that while initial impacts will be focused, longer-term changes could require additional resources to sustain and expand beneficial effects.
- Diverse interviews, including people not directly impacted, help us understand varying viewpoints and indirect effects.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal advocate (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone working closely with tribal communities, I see this expansion as crucial.
- Additional resources and extended deadlines will ensure more comprehensive strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Law enforcement officer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We have long needed better coordination between agencies.
- This policy should help us address issues more effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it is important for broader societal change.
- Learning about these issues makes me hopeful for better inclusion.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Community leader (Bismarck, ND)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This commission's work is vital; more time means better solutions.
- Our communities have suffered for too long from inadequate response.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Graduate student (New York, NY)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could serve as a model for other intergovernmental coordination.
- It highlights the importance of collaboration in legislative efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Rapid City, SD)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this extension allows for real change on the ground.
- In my experience, deadlines need flexibility for meaningful outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Public health official (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need to see mental health as part of reducing crime.
- The joint commission can help allocate resources more effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retail worker (Tulsa, OK)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for less violence, which impacts everyone here.
- Feeling safe should be a priority for us all.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Non-profit coordinator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These changes might increase funding and efficiency.
- Partnership is key in driving down crime rates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Academic researcher (Denver, CO)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ability of the commission to accept gifts is innovative.
- This may lead to new insights and collaborations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The unique demographic and geographic focus necessitates tailored approaches in crime reduction strategies.
- Potential for public-private partnerships to enhance resource allocation.
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively.