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SB 1409

SB 1409 - This act establishes the "Purple Alert System" within the Department of Public Safety to aid in the identification and location of missing persons with developmental disabilities whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to themselves. Before July 1, 2027, the Department shall, in cooperation with other state agencies and local law enforcement agencies, develop a training program and alert system that is compatible with existing alert systems in the state, including training for law enforcement officers to understand developmental disabilities and to respond effectively to a reported missing person emergency when the person has a developmental disability. SARAH HASKINS

2026 Regular Session

Creates the Purple Alert System to rapidly locate missing persons with developmental disabilities through coordinated training, media outreach, and cross-agency response.

Voted Do Pass S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1409

Summary of SB 1409 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a statewide program within the Missouri Department of Public Safety called the "Purple Alert System."
  • The program is designed to aid in identifying and locating missing persons with developmental disabilities whose disappearance presents a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm, through rapid community and emergency response.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definition of Developmental Disability: Includes mental or cognitive disabilities (excluding Alzheimer's/dementia), intellectual disability, brain injury, or other disabilities not related to substance abuse, or any combination of these conditions.

  • Training and Alert System (Pre-July 1, 2027):

    • DPS, in cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Senior Services, the state lottery, and local law enforcement, must:
    • Develop a training program and alert system that is compatible with existing state alert systems.
    • Implement crisis intervention team (CIT) training to equip law enforcement with skills to understand developmental disabilities, de-escalate crises, and respond effectively to missing person emergencies involving individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • Policies and Procedures (Pre-July 1, 2027):

    • Establish policies for responding to missing person emergencies involving individuals with developmental disabilities, including:
    • Immediate, widespread dissemination of critical information.
    • Enhanced competence of emergency response teams by informing them of the unique needs and behaviors of these individuals.
    • Public awareness measures to foster community support and understanding of elopement risks associated with developmental disabilities.

  • Law Enforcement Responsibilities (Upon Report):

    • Upon receiving a report of a missing person with a developmental disability, agencies must:
    • Contact media outlets in the affected or neighboring areas.
    • Inform all on-duty officers about the reported case.
    • Communicate the report to other law enforcement agencies in the surrounding counties.

  • Administration and Rulemaking:

    • DPS shall administer and promulgate rules for implementing the Purple Alert System.
    • Rules must comply with Missouri’s rulemaking requirements (Chapter 536). If any related rulemaking authority is later found unconstitutional or invalid, then the authority to issue rules after August 28, 2026, and any such rules, would be invalid and void.

Timeline

  • A key deadline is July 1, 2027, by which the DPS and partner agencies must have developed and begun implementing the training program and alert system, and established the required policies and procedures.

Agencies and Stakeholders Involved

  • Missouri Department of Public Safety (lead administrator)
  • Missouri State Highway Patrol
  • Department of Transportation
  • Department of Health and Senior Services
  • Missouri Lottery
  • Local and county law enforcement agencies
  • Media outlets (for rapid dissemination)

Potential Impact

  • Improves identification, tracking, and recovery of missing persons with developmental disabilities who are at immediate risk.
  • Promotes standardized response protocols and training for law enforcement, potentially reducing crisis escalation.
  • Encourages rapid information sharing with media and neighboring jurisdictions, enhancing cross-jurisdictional coordination.
  • Increases public awareness and community involvement in safeguarding at-risk individuals.

Notes on Scope and Compliance

  • The act defines the scope of “developmental disability” broadly to include various cognitive, physical, or emotional conditions not related to substance abuse.
  • The bill emphasizes compatibility with existing alert systems to ensure seamless integration.
  • The rulemaking authority is subject to constitutional review under Chapter 536, with nonseverability provisions tied to potential constitutional issues.

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

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