NY
New York Assembly Bill A08386

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08386

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth, including young women, men, nonbinary, boys, and girls, who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

Impact

If passed, A08386 would amend existing laws to include this new alert system, significantly impacting how missing persons cases involving Black youth are handled. This legislation intends to enhance the urgency and visibility of these cases, potentially leading to faster recoveries. It not only calls for collaboration among law enforcement agencies but also encourages public involvement through media alerts. This could foster a communal response to assist law enforcement in locating missing individuals more effectively.

Summary

Bill A08386 aims to establish a statewide 'ebony alert system' in New York specifically for missing Black youth. The alert would be activated in cases where individuals aged 12 to 25 are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, particularly if they have a mental or physical disability or are presumed to be at risk of harm. This initiative highlights the particular vulnerabilities that Black youth face and seeks to improve the mechanisms by which law enforcement and the public can respond to such cases more effectively. The bill outlines the creation of protocols for the activation of the alert system and mandates a designated coordinator to oversee its implementation.

Contention

Points of contention may arise regarding the prioritization of alert systems, particularly as it introduces a new layer of categorization for missing persons alerts. Discussions around this bill might touch upon equity in how different demographic groups are treated within law enforcement communication protocols. Some legislators or community advocates may express concerns over whether such measures are viewed as valuing one group over another or if they effectively address the disparities in the response to missing persons cases based on race. Additionally, ensuring even distribution of resources and public awareness could be a topic of debate as the new system is implemented.

Latest A08386 Activity

Companion Bills

NY S06865

Same As Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth, including young women, men, nonbinary, boys, and girls, who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

Previously Filed As

NY S08345

Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth, including young women, men, nonbinary, boys, and girls, who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

NY S04266

Establishes a task force on missing women and girls who are black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to develop policy changes that will work to address the lack of care and concern for missing and murdered BIPOC women and girls with New York state governmental agencies.

NY A05088

Establishes a task force on missing women and girls who are black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to develop policy changes that will work to address the lack of care and concern for missing and murdered BIPOC women and girls with New York state governmental agencies.

NY S04634

Requires the justice center to establish procedures for when to report incidents which include suspicious and unexplained injuries including broken bones, hematomas, open wounds beyond minor first aid, black eyes, swollen noses, extreme and questionable bruising, choke marks, burns, individuals found unresponsive and all deaths to a 9-1-1 operator.

NY S08026

Directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a task force on missing women and girls who are black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

NY A08545

Directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a task force on missing women and girls who are black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

NY S09922

Exempts from the use of self-defense sprays minors who are at least sixteen years of age and have been granted an order of protection or have been the victim of a crime, including where a criminal proceeding or investigation is still ongoing.

NY A10064

Requires that the state system for warning populations who are or may be endangered includes audible alerts for all announcements to ensure that information in accessible to visually impaired individuals.

NY S09239

Requires that the state system for warning populations who are or may be endangered includes audible alerts for all announcements to ensure that information in accessible to visually impaired individuals.

NY A00719

Provides for a sex offender registry check for youth organization volunteers who have direct contact with youths under the age of 18.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.