RELATING TO DEATHS WITHIN THE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Glenn Wakai

Senate Bill 456 creates a rapid alert system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults in Michigan, enhancing public safety and improving search response times.

Carried over to 2024 Regular Session.

#corrections #deaths #facilities #information #reports

Summary of Senate Bill 456

Bill Number: SB 456
Title: Law enforcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for.
Introduced: June 26, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Government Operations
Sponsor: Senator Mallory McMorrow
Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 456 aims to enhance the safety of seniors and vulnerable adults by establishing a medical alert system specifically for individuals who go missing. The bill seeks to amend the existing Mozelle Senior or Vulnerable Adult Medical Alert Act to require the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP) to create a system that rapidly disseminates information about missing seniors or vulnerable adults through wireless emergency alerts.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Alert System: The MSP is mandated to develop and maintain a missing senior or vulnerable adult medical alert system plan that utilizes the existing wireless emergency medical alert system.

Activation Protocol: The alert system can only be activated after a law enforcement agency completes a report on the missing individual, which includes identifying information and the last known sighting. The agency must then notify the MSP to issue a medical alert.

Definition of Missing Individuals: The bill defines a "missing senior or vulnerable adult" as:

A resident aged 60 or older who is believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance.
An individual aged 18 or older who requires supervision or personal care due to age, developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability.
A person suffering from senility or a condition that poses immediate danger to themselves or others.

Information Dissemination: Upon completion of the report, law enforcement agencies must forward the information to other law enforcement agencies and broadcasters to help locate the missing individual.

Impact

Target Population: The bill primarily affects seniors and vulnerable adults in Michigan, particularly those with conditions like dementia, which increase the risk of going missing.

Public Safety Enhancement: By implementing a system similar to AMBER Alerts, the bill aims to improve the chances of quickly locating missing individuals, thereby reducing the risks associated with wandering, such as injury or death.

Fiscal Considerations: The implementation of the alert system is estimated to cost approximately $20,000 annually, covering subscription fees and software for the alerting system platform.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 456 represents a significant step towards improving the safety and well-being of Michigan's seniors and vulnerable adults. By establishing a rapid alert system, the bill aims to facilitate quicker responses to missing persons cases, ultimately saving lives and providing peace of mind to families and communities.

Bill