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 US territorial waters. This includes specific location details. The Attorney General must also submit an annual report to the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding these cases.
Expected Effects
The Act will enhance data collection and reporting related to missing persons cases on Federal lands and in territorial waters. This improved data may lead to more effective search and rescue efforts. It also mandates annual reporting, increasing transparency and oversight.
Potential Benefits
- Improved tracking of missing persons cases on Federal land and in territorial waters.
- Enhanced data collection within the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
- Increased transparency through annual reports to Congress.
- Potential for more effective allocation of resources for search and rescue operations.
- Could lead to better understanding of the factors contributing to missing persons cases in these areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Attorney General's office.
- Costs associated with modifying the NamUs database and generating annual reports.
- No direct impact on prevention of missing persons incidents.
- The effectiveness of the Act depends on accurate reporting and data entry.
- Limited scope, as it only addresses missing persons on Federal land and in territorial waters.
Constitutional Alignment
The TRACE Act appears to align with the Constitution, specifically with the implied powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The Act facilitates data collection and reporting, which can aid in law enforcement and public safety, areas where the federal government has a legitimate interest. There are no apparent infringements on individual 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).