Kansas Senate Bill SB556

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Expanding the Kansas silver alert plan to provide public notice of missing persons 18 years of age or older who have an intellectual disability.

Impact

If enacted, SB556 would modify the current protocols surrounding the issuance of silver alerts, allowing for alerts to be issued in the case of adults with intellectual disabilities, which historically may have been overlooked. This amendment to the existing alert system reflects an acknowledgment of the specific risks that individuals with intellectual disabilities may face when they go missing, recognizing the need for a tailored approach that addresses their unique vulnerabilities. Local law enforcement agencies will be required to adopt these expanded criteria in order to better serve and protect this population.

Summary

SB556 focuses on expanding the existing Kansas silver alert plan, which is aimed at providing public notice when individuals who are 18 years of age or older and have an intellectual disability go missing. The bill seeks to enhance community awareness and response in such situations, which can often be critical in ensuring the safe return of vulnerable populations. By broadening the parameters of the silver alert system, this bill intends to address the unique needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in terms of public awareness efforts when they are reported missing.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance protections for a vulnerable group, there may be questions regarding the implementation, such as the criteria for what constitutes a significant risk and how law enforcement will manage the notification process. Critics might highlight concerns about the potential strain on local resources and the challenges in accurately identifying cases that qualify for an alert. Additionally, there could be debates surrounding the inclusivity and accuracy of the definition of 'intellectual disability' within the context of the bill, which might necessitate further clarification or debate among stakeholders.