Texas House Bill HB3715

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to statewide alerts for missing adults.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3715 seeks to enhance public safety by ensuring a rapid response when adults go missing. By establishing clear guidelines for when and how local law enforcement must report such incidents, it aims to streamline communication and coordination among different agencies. This could potentially lead to quicker recoveries of missing adults, as timely alerts can mobilize community resources and increase public awareness.

Summary

House Bill 3715 aims to establish a comprehensive alert system for missing adults in Texas. It mandates that local law enforcement agencies notify the Department of Public Safety (DPS) when an adult goes missing under specific criteria. These criteria include that the missing person is between 18 and 65 years old, has been missing for less than 72 hours, and is believed to be in danger due to mental or physical disabilities. The bill intends to leverage the collaboration of various agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, to implement this alert when needed.

Contention

While the bill is intended to protect vulnerable populations, there could be concerns about the criteria for activating the alert. Opponents might argue that the age limit of 65 years may lead to inadequate attention for missing adults who do not fit this profile or who may not have evident disabilities. Additionally, the requirement for a preliminary investigation might delay the alert issuance, potentially putting missing individuals at greater risk. Stakeholders may advocate for a broader definition of missing adults to ensure comprehensive coverage and responsiveness.