Summary of Pennsylvania House Bill HB 2102 (2025-2026)
Overview
- Bill: HB 2102
- Session: 2025-2026
- Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
- Official Title: An Act amending the act of November 24, 2004 (P.L.1270, No.153), referred to as the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System Law, further providing for title of the act, for Pennsylvania Amber Alert System and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) established and for immunity.
- Prime Sponsor: Representative Robert Leadbeter
- Major Co-sponsors: A broad list of Republican lawmakers (multiple districts)
- Current Status: Referred to the House Judiciary Committee (Dec. 15, 2025); reported as committed and first considered (April 13, 2026); laid on the table the same day. Committee vote: 26 yes, 0 no.
Purpose and Intent
HB 2102 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System Law to update and expand provisions related to:
- The Amber Alert system in Pennsylvania (authorities, processes, and administration)
- The Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS)
- Immunity provisions related to the Amber Alert/MEPAS framework
- The Act's title and related administrative details
The memo subject line references “Purple Alert - Aiden's Law,” indicating a potential theme or naming convention to broaden or clarify alert tools, though the precise text of “Purple Alert” is not provided in the summary data.
Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by the bill’s scope)
While the exact legislative text is not provided here, HB 2102 is described as:
- Amending the 2004 Amber Alert Law to adjust official titles and possibly to refine how the Amber Alert System operates within Pennsylvania.
- Updating the Amber Alert System: This could involve criteria for issuing alerts, coordination among law enforcement agencies, notification methods (e.g., broadcast alerts, digital platforms), and timelines for alert dissemination.
- Updating MEPAS: Changes to how “Missing Endangered Person Advisory System” is established and utilized, including criteria for activation, scope of alerts, and local/federal coordination.
- Immunity Provisions: Clarifying or expanding immunity (likely for individuals who provide information or for agencies acting in good faith) related to Amber Alerts and MEPAS activities.
- Administrative/Title Adjustments: Revisions to the act’s name or how it is cited in statute, potentially to reflect expanded authority or additional alert programs.
Who Is Affected
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Responsible for issuing Amber Alerts and coordinating with the MEPAS framework; subject to updated procedures and timelines.
- Public/General Population: Recipients of Amber Alerts and MEPAS notifications through various channels.
- Individuals Participating in Investigations: May receive or provide information under the immunity provisions.
- State and Local Government: Entities involved in implementing and administering the alert systems.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Referral and Committee Action: Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on Dec 15, 2025.
- Committee Vote and Consideration: Reported as committed and first considered on Apr 13, 2026; Judiciary Committee recorded a 26-0 vote in favor of reporting as committed.
- Floor Action: As of the latest update, the bill was laid on the table by the House on Apr 13, 2026, indicating it did not advance to a floor vote at that time and may require further action or amendments.
Notable Context
- The memo subject “Purple Alert - Aiden's Law” suggests a branding or thematic reference to broaden alert systems beyond traditional Amber Alerts, potentially incorporating additional protective alert mechanisms or naming conventions. The exact statutory text would clarify whether new alert tiers or a separate “Purple Alert” framework is created or if the term is used informally.
If you would like, I can fetch the bill’s full text and provide a line-by-line breakdown of each provision, including any changes to definitions, trigger criteria, procedures, and immunity language.
