Establishes a system to publicly disseminate emergency alerts regarding a missing adult with an intellectual disability.
With this bill, Chapter 42-28 of the General Laws would be amended to include provisions for the implementation of a 'Purple Alert' system. This system would allow law enforcement agencies to issue alerts under specified circumstances, particularly when there is credible evidence indicating that the missing individual could be in danger. By introducing this alert mechanism, the bill aims to bolster public safety efforts and create a streamlined response protocol for scenarios involving vulnerable adults.
House Bill H6188, known as the 'Linda DaLomba Purple Alert Act', proposes the establishment of a system designed to disseminate emergency alerts concerning missing adults with intellectual disabilities. This legislation is rooted in the recognition that prompt action is vital in the early hours following the disappearance of such individuals. The bill mandates a structured partnership between law enforcement agencies and media outlets to enable swift information sharing, enhancing the likelihood of locating these missing persons effectively.
One notable aspect of H6188 is its focus on defining the criteria for issuing a Purple Alert, which includes individuals with various types of intellectual disabilities. This specificity aims to avoid potential overlap with existing alert systems, such as the 'Missing Senior Citizen Alert'. While proponents argue that the new alert system is essential for ensuring the swift recovery of at-risk individuals, there may be discussions around how effectively this system can be integrated with current protocols and how it will be received by the law enforcement community and the public at large.