BISMARCK – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1199 into law on May 1, coinciding with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Day. The legislation aims to address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals in the state by establishing a framework for improved data collection, enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies and the formation of a Missing Indigenous People Task Force.

The landmark legislation comes at a time when the families of missing Indigenous persons, including Renzo Bull Head, Isaac Hunt and Jemini Posey have been advocating for greater awareness and action. The families of these missing individuals attended the signing ceremony at the state Capitol.

Rep. Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, a key advocate for the bill, voiced the significance of having Bull Head’s family present for the signing.

“This legislation exists because of families like theirs, who turn heartbreak into action and tragedy into change. Their advocacy is a powerful reminder that behind every policy are real people, real losses and a call for justice that can’t be ignored. I’ll continue to carry Renzo’s name and story with me in this work,” she said.

Bull Head’s parents, Deidra and Delane, expressed their deep emotions regarding the significance of this legislation.

“I felt a victory today. This bill passing is a crucial step for families like ours who have been searching for our loved ones. It is a recognition that we are more than just statistics; we are people deserving of justice and action. I feel proud that the movement for change is gaining momentum, and we are finally being heard,” Deidra Bull Head said.

“This is long overdue. As a family, we have felt the pain of losing Renzo and the frustration of navigating a system that often overlooks our community. Today, we stand together with other families to advocate for recognition, not just for our son, but for all missing Indigenous people. We need a system that values and protects every individual, regardless of their background,” Delane Bull Head said.

As the search for Renzo Bull Head continues into its eighth week, his family remains dedicated to pursuing legal avenues and collaborating with law enforcement despite facing challenges.

In a related legislative success for the state’s Indigenous citizens, Armstrong also signed HB 1535 into law on May 2, establishing a “Feather Alert Notice System” aimed at quickly disseminating information about missing Indigenous individuals. The Bull Head family provided testimony in support of the initiative, emphasizing the need for timely alerts and community involvement in search efforts.