Tracking and Reporting Absent Community-Members Everywhere Act; TRACE Act
Summary
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 or in U.S. territorial waters. This includes specific location details. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress on the number of cases involving missing persons on Federal land or in territorial waters.
Expected Effects
The Act will enhance data collection and reporting related to missing persons cases on Federal lands and territorial waters. This could lead to improved resource allocation for search and rescue operations. It also increases transparency through mandated reporting to Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Improved data collection on missing persons cases on Federal lands and territorial waters.
- Enhanced resource allocation for search and rescue operations in these areas.
- Increased transparency through annual reporting to Congress.
- Better understanding of the scope and nature of missing persons cases in these specific locations.
- Potential for improved prevention strategies based on data analysis.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Attorney General's office.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection and storage of personal information, although the Act focuses on location data.
- The Act does not address the underlying causes of why people go missing on Federal lands or in territorial waters.
- The act may require additional funding to implement the new data field and reporting requirements.
- The effectiveness of the Act depends on accurate reporting and data entry by local and federal agencies.
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 for carrying out its enumerated powers. The Act's focus on data collection and reporting falls within the scope of Congress's authority to oversee law enforcement and public safety. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties 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).