Department of Justice sponsored bill to resolve missing persons cases and strengthen DNA analysis and identification
SACRAMENTO—California’s missing persons program will undergo updating and expanding with the aim of increasing the state’s numbers of open missing persons cases under a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the measure, AB 2018, that is sponsored by the Department of Justice.
Ramos said, “I thank the governor for signing this legislation that will help all families with missing loved ones receive the answers they need and also Attorney General Bonta for his collaboration and sponsorship of this bill. Modernization of the state’s investigative technology is especially urgent given the disproportionate number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons plaguing our state. Ensuring our justice system personnel have the tools they need to perform effectively is critical to bringing resolution to cases involving the missing.”
“Any missing person case — adult, child, MMIP, or otherwise — is one too many. No family should know the prolonged uncertainty of waiting for answers, and together we’re making it clear that California takes action,” said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 2018 is the right tool at the right time that will advance California’s ability to resolve missing persons cases and rekindle hope. I thank Assemblymember Ramos for introducing this legislation and I look forward to continuing the vital work of delivering justice for missing persons and their loved ones.”
Ramos noted that AB 2018 implements three crucial elements to the DOJ procedures: it explicitly adds unidentified living persons to the missing persons program, removes the unduly restrictive "high-risk" label previously required to trigger DNA collection, and allows retention of family reference samples for partial remains. By updating the state’s approach to missing persons DNA analysis and identification, the bill will increase the California Department of Justice’s ability to resolve missing persons cases and provide answers to families.
AB 2018 is supported by the California District Attorneys Association and Riverside District Attorney’s Association.
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Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs.
