State Senator Lea Webb and Assembly member Karines Reyes sponsored the legislation to establish a task force specifically focused on addressing the growing rates of missing women and girls of color, The New York State Task Force on Missing BIPOC Women and Girls.

This Task Force tackles the disparities in the lack of concern, attention and resources allocated to the cases from these communities. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law in December 2023, and it became effective March 26, 2024. This legislative approach will help examine and implement culturally competent approaches to law enforcement investigations, victim assistance programs, and community-led initiatives to prevent gender-based violence.

Furthermore the strategy will include collaborating with youth to center their experiences, expand their perspectives, and advocate for policies that will help them create their own solutions.

The Task Force will be playing a pivotal role in creating positive change and fostering a safer environment for our community members.