Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB307

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Establishing the Pennsylvania Purple Alert System; and further providing for immunity.

Impact

The introduction of the Purple Alert System would enhance Pennsylvania's ability to safeguard vulnerable populations by improving the response to incidents involving missing individuals with intellectual disabilities. It formalizes a process for rapid public engagement in searches, which could be critical in ensuring the safety and welfare of the individuals targeted by the alerts. By broadening the scope of the state's alert systems, the bill aims to provide necessary support to families and communities in quickly locating missing individuals who might not fit traditional missing persons paradigms.

Summary

Senate Bill 307 aims to establish the Pennsylvania Purple Alert System to assist in locating missing persons with intellectual disabilities. Modeled after the existing Amber Alert System, the Purple Alert will enable prompt public notifications when individuals with intellectual disabilities go missing. The bill amends the current law on the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System to include provisions for this new alert system and outlines the responsibilities of the Pennsylvania State Police in its operation. When activated, law enforcement agencies can issue alerts if they believe the person is at risk due to their health condition and sufficient information is available to aid in the search.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB307 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focusing on disabilities and public safety. Supporters argue that this system fills a crucial gap in emergency response for a demographic that often lacks the same level of attention as children or adults without disabilities. However, concerns may arise regarding the implementation specifics and the ability of law enforcement to manage added responsibilities without diverting resources from existing alert systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include discussions on adequate funding for the new system's implementation, as well as the training requirements for law enforcement agencies concerning the nuances of responding to cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities. There may also be debates about how to balance public notification without inciting fear or panic, ensuring that alerts are issued based on sound criteria that accurately reflect the risk level of the situation.