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HB 552

An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 16 co-sponsors

Bill establishes three state alert systems (Amber, Missing Endangered Person, Green) for missing individuals, assigns Pennsylvania State Police operational duties, and provides immunity and penalties framework.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 552

Legislative bill overview

HB 552 amends Pennsylvania's public safety code to establish or formalize three alert systems: the Amber Alert System (for missing children), the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (for vulnerable missing adults), and the Green Alert System (for missing law enforcement officers). The bill assigns operational duties to the Pennsylvania State Police and establishes immunity protections and penalties for violations.

Why is this important

These alert systems are critical infrastructure for rapid public notification when vulnerable people go missing, leveraging broadcast media and digital channels to increase recovery chances. The formalization in statute provides legal clarity, ensures consistent implementation statewide, and clarifies responsibility between state police and other agencies. This addresses gaps where informal practices previously governed these life-safety protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: The bill "assesses costs" but the specific funding mechanism isn't detailed in the summary—legislators may dispute whether these expenses fall on the state budget, media outlets, or participating agencies
  • False alert liability: While immunity is provided, the scope of who qualifies for protection and under what circumstances remains undefined without seeing the full text; overly broad immunity could shield negligence, while narrow immunity could deter participation
  • Green Alert scope: Creating a dedicated alert system for missing officers (versus Amber/endangered person systems) may face equity concerns about whether law enforcement receives preferential treatment compared to other vulnerable populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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