Bill > S01866

This bill establishes a statewide Green Alert system specifically designed to help locate missing military members who are experiencing mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury. The system would be coordinated by the state veterans' services department and involve collaboration with law enforcement agencies, transportation departments, media outlets, and other state entities. To activate a Green Alert, a law enforcement agency must verify that a military member (including current or former members of armed forces, National Guard, or reserve units) is missing, their location is unknown, and they suffer from a specified mental health condition that poses a credible threat to their safety. When activated, the alert would be distributed to media outlets and could include information that might help locate the missing person, with a request for public assistance. The bill also provides an opt-out procedure for military members who do not wish to be included in the program and includes privacy protections consistent with health information regulations. The alert would be terminated once the missing person is located or after a predetermined notification period, ensuring a structured and responsible approach to locating vulnerable military members.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1866