Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
Impact
If enacted, HB 552 would amend Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, introducing a structured approach to alert systems aimed at aiding in the recovery of abducted children and finding individuals at risk. The bill ensures a legal framework for the operation of these systems and sets forth the responsibilities assigned to law enforcement agencies. By doing so, it seeks to create a more organized and rapid response in critical situations involving missing persons, thereby enhancing state efforts in public safety.
Summary
House Bill 552 aims to enhance the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, alongside establishing the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System for veterans who may be at risk. This bill is designed to help law enforcement efficiently mobilize public assistance when individuals, particularly children or veterans, go missing under circumstances that pose immediate risk. The legislation outlines specific duties for the Pennsylvania State Police, who are tasked with maintaining these alert systems and coordinating with other jurisdictions for effective response mechanisms.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 552 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who recognize the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations like children and veterans. Proponents of the bill emphasize that increasing the efficacy of alert systems can dramatically improve response times and outcomes during such emergencies. However, there may also be reservations from individuals concerned about the implementation costs and the effectiveness of government coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
Contention
One point of contention may arise regarding the provisions for civil liability immunity for individuals and media who act in good faith during the alert processes. While this is designed to encourage public and media engagement, critics might argue that without sufficient oversight, it could lead to misuse of the alert systems. Additionally, the operational procedures established by law enforcement agencies under the bill will require careful consideration to ensure they are both effective and respectful of civil liberties.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
Further providing for title of act and for Pennsylvania Amber Alert System and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) established; and providing for use of Dangerous Fugitive Alert System (DFAS).
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for the offense of persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for firearm sales surcharge, for retail dealer required to be licensed and for licensing of dealers and providing for ammunition purchase authorization permits and for transporting ammunition into this Commonwealth; establishing the Ammunition Safety and Enforcement Fund; and making editorial changes.
In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.
In optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties and providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
In optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties, providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.