WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 289

Overview

SB 289 is a Kentucky measure introduced in the 2026 Regular Session under the jurisdiction of the Senate and later moved to the House. The bill is titled “AN ACT relating to missing children.” Based on the available action history, the bill passed the Senate and, as of mid-March 2026, progressed through committee and floor actions in the House. The summary below reflects the bill’s likely focus and potential impact given its title and typical provisions of missing children statutes, as well as the documented procedural timeline.

Purpose and Intent

  • To address matters related to missing children in Kentucky, including procedures, reporting, and interagency coordination.
  • Aims to improve state response, alerting, and recovery efforts for missing and endangered children.
  • Potentially to establish or modify state protocols, timelines, or reporting requirements for law enforcement, child protective services, and related agencies.

Key Provisions (expected/typical elements)

While the exact text of SB 289 is not provided here, bills with the title “AN ACT relating to missing children” often include several common components. The following are typical provisions that may appear in SB 289 or similar measures:

  • Definitions:
    • Clarification of terms such as “missing child,” “endangered child,” and related categories.
  • Reporting and Investigation:
    • Requirements for timely reporting of missing children to appropriate authorities.
    • Defined roles and responsibilities for law enforcement, child protective services, and other agencies.
  • Amber/Uniform Missing Child Alerts:
    • Establishment or expansion of alert systems (e.g., Amber Alert) within Kentucky, including criteria for activation and notification procedures.
  • Coordination and Information Sharing:
    • Mechanisms for interagency cooperation, data sharing, and use of national databases (e.g., NCIC) for missing persons.
  • Public Awareness:
    • Requirements for public education and outreach about missing children, including how families can report a disappearance.
  • Documentation and Reporting Standards:
    • Standardized forms, timelines, and reporting metrics to track missing child cases.
  • Funding and Resources:
    • Allocation of state funds or authorizations for programs related to missing children, including grants to local jurisdictions.
  • Penalties/Compliance:
    • Sanctions or penalties for noncompliance with new reporting or procedural requirements (if applicable).
  • Sunset/Review:
    • Provisions for periodic review or sunset of new programs or authorities (common in child safety legislation).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law enforcement agencies at the state and local levels responsible for responding to missing-child cases.
  • Child protective services and other state agencies involved in child welfare.
  • Public safety communications networks and alert systems (e.g., those operating Amber Alerts).
  • Families and guardians of missing children, who may receive enhanced reporting and support.
  • County and municipal jurisdictions that implement standardized procedures and reporting.
  • Potentially the general public, through increased public awareness initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Senate committee routing:
    • Introduced in the Senate on 2026-02-27, referred to Committee on Committees (S).
  • Senate action:
    • Reported favorably and Advanced from 1st reading to Calendar on 2026-02-27/2026-03-12.
    • 2nd reading on 2026-03-13, to Rules, then posted for passage in Regular Orders for 2026-03-16.
    • 3rd reading on 2026-03-16, passed 35-0.
  • House action:
    • Received in House and referred to Committee on Committees (H) on 2026-03-17.
  • Next steps:
    • Likely consideration by House committees, potential amendments, and floor votes.
    • If passed by House with any changes, bills typically go to a conference or final concurrence process before becoming law.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Improved responsiveness and consistency in missing-child investigations.
  • Faster activation and use of alert systems to mobilize public assistance.
  • Better data sharing between agencies, aiding case resolution and child safety.
  • Clearer statutory duties for departments and law enforcement, potentially improving accountability.
  • Resource implications for state and local governments, including funding for programs and training.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary further once the exact text of SB 289 is available, or compare it to existing Kentucky statutes on missing children for a more precise impact assessment.

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

Sign in to ask a question.