PROTECT Act of 2024

This bill (S 5453) updates federal law to grant tribal courts equal authority to issue search warrants for electronic communications as state courts, using tribal warrant procedures under the Indian Civil Rights Act. It expands tribal jurisdiction over drug trafficking offenses (including possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances) and firearms offenses (like illegal possession or use in crimes) within tribal lands. The bill defines these offenses using existing federal drug and firearm laws, clarifying tribal legal authority. It also adds tribal convictions for these offenses to the Bureau of Prisons' Tribal Prisoner Program eligibility. The bill directly affects tribal nations, their courts, and law enforcement by strengthening tribal sovereignty over specific criminal matters on reservations.