Bill > LD496

This bill amends the existing Silver Alert Program to automatically classify any person reported missing from an inpatient mental health facility (such as a group home, mental hospital, or psychiatric ward) as a "missing endangered person," which triggers mandatory Silver Alert procedures. The bill requires that when such a Silver Alert is issued, it must be immediately sent to all statewide police departments and disseminated to hospitals, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and public libraries within 24 hours. Additionally, if the missing person is not located, the bill mandates that the Silver Alert must be reissued every two weeks to maintain active search efforts. These changes aim to enhance the response and public awareness for individuals who go missing from mental health facilities, ensuring a more comprehensive and persistent approach to locating vulnerable persons. The bill builds upon existing Silver Alert Program infrastructure, using current resources to implement these new requirements.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=496&snum=132