WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act.  This bill would expand Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug trafficking. It would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. This legislation is sponsored by Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Rick Larsen (D-WA).

“The growing drug threat and deadly fentanyl crisis have devastated Indian Country,” said Rep. Simpson. “Giving Tribal communities and law enforcement the tools and resources they need to protect their people is a common sense approach to tackling this crisis. One of my top priorities as Chairman of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee has been addressing Tribal needs, including bolstering public safety. I firmly believe that between President Trump's efforts to secure the southern border and this legislation, we can help combat the spread of dangerous, illegal drugs in Indian Country.”

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Tina Smith (D-MN) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The full text of the legislation is available here.