CA AB1863

Requires the Department of the California Highway Patrol to develop policies and procedures for activating the Feather Alert system in consultation with tribal nations, law enforcement associations, and the Department of Justice.

Mandates the department respond to Feather Alert requests from law enforcement agencies or tribes within 48 hours and provide written notice with reasons if declining activation.

Expands Feather Alert eligibility criteria to allow activation when law enforcement determines it would be an effective tool in investigating missing and murdered indigenous persons, rather than applying only to specific predefined conditions.

Requires the department to take reasonable steps to confirm reports are not attempts to locate indigenous persons intentionally avoiding abuse, including sexual assault, domestic violence, or human trafficking.

Requires the department to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, including statistical data on cases closed and remaining open, and the Feather Alert's impact on other alert programs.