Tennessee House Bill HB2223

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Chaptered: 5/9/24
• Passed: 5/9/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 6, Part 1, relative to missing persons.

Impact

The proposed changes through HB 2223 are expected to enhance the responsiveness of law enforcement and community engagement in cases of missing persons. By extending the age limit, it broadens the category of young individuals who can be issued immediate alerts, thereby potentially increasing recovery rates. The bill underlines the critical nature of timely and accurate information dissemination to ensure that missing youth receive the necessary attention and resources for their recovery, reducing the time lost in bureaucratic delays that can occur when missing youths are not classified under the AMBER Alert criteria.

Summary

House Bill 2223 is legislation aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning missing persons. Specifically, the bill seeks to increase the age threshold for victims covered under certain provisions related to AMBER Alerts from twenty-one to twenty-five years. This change stems from a recognition that a significant number of missing persons, particularly youth under eighteen, often lack adequate resources and media coverage when categorized differently, such as runaways. The bill emphasizes the intent to provide law enforcement agencies with greater flexibility and tools to issue alerts that can engage public assistance in locating missing individuals effectively.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 2223 reflect a largely supportive stance among legislators and advocacy groups focused on child welfare and public safety. Proponents of the bill view it as a vital step forward in protecting vulnerable populations, especially young individuals who may be in danger. However, there are concerns voiced by some stakeholders regarding the operational implications for law enforcement agencies, anticipating increased workload and responsibility that may need further resource allocation to effectively manage the new mandates.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention regarding HB 2223 is the operational readiness of law enforcement agencies to adapt to the new provisions. Critics question whether local departments have the requisite resources and training to implement the expanded alert system effectively. Furthermore, while there is general agreement on the importance of supporting missing persons’ cases, some emphasize the need for a coordinated approach to address systemic issues related to the broader context of youth safety and support mechanisms, beyond legislative adjustments alone.