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SB 249

MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shannon Pinto

SB 249 establishes coordination and data collection mechanisms to address missing and murdered Indigenous peoples in New Mexico through improved tribal-state-federal law enforcement collaboration.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 249

Legislative bill overview

SB 249 addresses the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples in New Mexico by establishing coordination mechanisms, data collection standards, and dedicated resources to improve investigation and response protocols. The bill has progressed through committee review and received a favorable "DO PASS" recommendation as of February 2026.

Why is this important

Missing and murdered Indigenous peoples represent a documented public safety crisis, with Indigenous women experiencing homicide rates significantly higher than other demographic groups. Improved coordination between tribal, state, and federal agencies and standardized data collection can help identify patterns, allocate resources more effectively, and potentially prevent future cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional complexity: Clarifying authority between tribal sovereignty, state law enforcement, and federal agencies requires careful legal navigation that may satisfy none of the parties completely
  • Funding allocation: Creating new coordination mechanisms and data systems requires dedicated budgeting during periods of fiscal constraint, raising questions about whether resources come from existing law enforcement budgets or new appropriations
  • Data privacy and tribal consent: Establishing data collection standards must balance investigative needs with tribal sovereignty concerns and individual privacy rights, particularly regarding sensitive information about Indigenous communities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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