Public depositories.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Baldwin and 6 co-sponsors

Act 951 enhances Arkansas's response to missing persons by establishing alert systems for children, seniors, and adults with disabilities, improving search efficiency and community involvement.

Committee report: do pass, adopted

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1523, now known as Act 951, aims to enhance the response to missing persons in Arkansas by codifying existing alert systems and establishing a new advisory system. The bill specifically addresses the need for timely public alerts regarding missing children, seniors, and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces three primary alert systems:

1. Arkansas Amber Alert System

Administration: Managed by the Division of Arkansas State Police.

Function: Alerts the public about abducted children.

Criteria: The division will establish specific criteria for when the Amber Alert can be activated.

2. Arkansas Silver Alert System

Administration: Also managed by the Division of Arkansas State Police.

Function: Disseminates alerts for missing seniors and adults with cognitive disorders.

Criteria: Similar to the Amber Alert, the division will set the activation criteria.

3. Missing Endangered Adult Advisory System

Administration: Coordinated by the Division of Arkansas State Police.

Function: Aids in locating missing adults who do not qualify for the Silver Alert but have conditions such as:

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related disorders.
Other physical, mental, or emotional disabilities not related to substance abuse.
Intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Exclusions: The advisory system will not activate for individuals deemed suicidal.

Safeguards: The system includes measures to protect the privacy and dignity of the missing adults and ensures that activation occurs only when sufficient information is available.

Impact

The implementation of these alert systems is expected to:
- Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of searches for missing persons.
- Provide law enforcement with structured protocols for public alerts.
- Enhance community awareness and involvement in locating missing individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and seniors.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: February 18, 2025.

Status: The bill was passed and signed into law as Act 951 on April 21, 2025.

Amendments: The bill underwent several amendments during the legislative process, including the addition of Senator B. Davis as a cosponsor and adjustments to the language regarding the advisory system.

Conclusion

Act 951 represents a significant step forward in Arkansas's efforts to address the issue of missing persons. By codifying existing systems and introducing a new advisory mechanism, the state aims to ensure that timely and effective measures are in place to assist in the recovery of missing individuals.

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