Bill > A04799

This bill establishes a Green Alert system in New York State specifically designed to help locate missing military members who suffer from mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury. The system would involve cooperation between multiple state agencies, including the veterans' services department, department of transportation, and law enforcement agencies. When a military member (defined as current or former members of U.S. armed forces, including National Guard and reserve units) goes missing and meets specific criteria, law enforcement can activate the alert. The alert would be broadcast through media outlets and potentially on dynamic message signs across the state, including television and radio stations. To initiate the alert, law enforcement must verify the military member's status, confirm they are missing, and determine their disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety. The system includes privacy protections, requiring only necessary information to be shared, and allows military members to opt-out of the program. The state commissioner will develop rules for implementing the alert, including procedures for reporting, verifying information, and terminating the alert once the member is located or the notification period ends. The bill aims to provide a specialized emergency response mechanism to help quickly locate and assist vulnerable military members who go missing.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4799