PROTECT Act of 2025

This bill, known as the PROTECT Act of 2025, aims to significantly strengthen the criminal justice capabilities of Indian Tribes. It amends the Stored Communications Act to recognize Tribal courts as courts of competent jurisdiction, enabling them to issue warrants for the disclosure of electronic communications and customer records. This change allows Tribal law enforcement to access crucial digital evidence, mirroring the authority held by federal and state courts. Furthermore, the legislation expands the criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts under the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968. It specifically grants Tribes jurisdiction over controlled substance-related offenses , including drug trafficking, unlawful possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The bill also confers jurisdiction over firearms offenses , particularly those involving the use or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime or by individuals convicted of domestic violence. Finally, the bill amends the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 to ensure that offenders convicted under this expanded special Tribal criminal jurisdiction are eligible for the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program. This provision helps address the critical need for secure incarceration options for individuals prosecuted by Tribal courts for these serious crimes, thereby supporting comprehensive Tribal justice responses.