Texas House Bill HB2505

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the criteria for issuing a silver alert for a missing senior citizen.

Impact

The bill is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the silver alert system in Texas by potentially reducing the number of false alerts and ensuring that alerts are issued only in cases where there is a real concern for the individual’s safety. By formalizing the requirements for documentation and assessment, this change aims to streamline reporting and response processes for law enforcement, thereby potentially increasing community safety and efficiency in locating missing persons among the senior population. This legislation underscores a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals, especially those suffering from cognitive impairments.

Summary

House Bill 2505 amends the criteria for issuing a silver alert, which is a public notification system similar to an Amber Alert but specifically aimed at locating missing senior citizens with impaired mental conditions. The legislative changes specify that local law enforcement agencies may require documentation from a family member or legal guardian to verify the senior's impaired mental condition, ensuring that the alert system is truly utilized for those in need. Furthermore, law enforcement must promptly assess whether the disappearance poses a credible threat to the health and safety of the missing individual before initiating a silver alert.

Contention

While the intent of HB2505 is to provide clearer guidelines for issuing alerts, there may be concerns about the implications of requiring documentation. Advocates for the elderly may argue that such requirements could delay critical responses and may place undue burden on families already dealing with the stress of a missing loved one. Moreover, the necessity of determining a 'credible threat' raises questions about the criteria used by law enforcement, which could vary widely and potentially lead to different outcomes based on jurisdiction, potentially affecting the speed and effectiveness of responses to missing senior citizens.