Virginia House Bill HB1169

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Virginia Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative (Codi) Alert Program; created.

Impact

The implementation of the Codi Alert Program is designed to enhance the promptness and effectiveness of public notifications regarding missing children. Specifically, if a child aged nine or younger goes missing, the alert should be activated within two hours of the initial notice from law enforcement. For children aged ten or older, the timeline for activation is determined by the local law enforcement officials. The bill emphasizes local discretion in decision-making, recognizing the varying needs of different communities while still maintaining a framework provided by the Virginia State Police.

Summary

House Bill 1169 establishes the Virginia Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative (Codi) Alert Program. This bill aims to create a formalized process for notifying the public and mobilizing law enforcement when a child is reported missing or endangered. Under this initiative, the Virginia State Police is tasked with developing uniform standards and policies to guide the creation of Codi Alert Programs across localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program will ensure that alerts can be issued promptly, based on the age of the missing child and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1169 see it as a necessary enhancement to child safety protocols, there is potential for contention regarding the voluntary nature of the program. The bill makes clear that participation by local law enforcement and media in the establishment of Codi Alert Programs is not mandatory, which some may argue could hamper the program's overall effectiveness. Opponents might express concerns that without mandatory participation, inconsistent implementation across the Commonwealth could lead to gaps in public awareness and child recovery efforts.