DOJ official says AB 3099 study on missing and murdered Indigenous people will finish research in September; report expected 2026

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 received an update from the Department of Justice’s Office of Native American Affairs (ONA) on implementation of AB 3099, the law directing a statewide study of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP).

Isaac Bohorquez, acting director of ONA, said the office is conducting interviews with tribal communities and leadership, coordinating regional awareness events, and working with academic consultants to compile historical and contemporary data. Bohorquez said ONA engaged consultants including Dr. George Blythe and Dr. Keta Risling to help with research and that the office is in discussions with the UC Berkeley Indigenous Law Center to assist with report drafting and analysis.

Bohorquez told the committee the research phase is targeted for completion in September 2025 and that a final report is expected in 2026. He underscored challenges in data collection and the need to earn tribal trust: many families are reluctant to share information given historical trauma and prior negative experiences with law enforcement, he said, so ONA is allocating time to build relationships and verify data.

Committee members asked for a written progress update and ONA agreed to follow up later in the week with scheduling details and next steps. ONA staff said they would coordinate with other DOJ units on data improvements for crimes on Indian lands and described ongoing outreach to other states to learn best practices.

No vote was taken; the subcommittee requested that the office provide updates to the Legislature as the study nears completion.