Bill > SB41

This bill establishes a Turquoise Alert System specifically designed to help locate missing American Indians in New Mexico. The bill defines a "turquoise alert" as a notification system for a missing person who is an enrolled member or eligible for enrollment in a federally or state-recognized Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo, and who is missing under involuntary, unexplained, or suspicious circumstances, is at risk due to safety or health concerns, or suffers from a mental or physical disability or substance abuse disorder. The Department of Public Safety is mandated to develop a comprehensive alert plan that includes procedures for notifying various media outlets, cellular service companies, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and state employees. The alert can only be issued after a thorough review and independent determination by the department or lead investigating law enforcement agency. The plan requires collecting specific records about each alert, such as the municipality of origin, age, gender, and dates of the missing person report, alert issuance, and recovery. Only the Department of Public Safety or the lead investigating law enforcement agency can initiate and terminate a turquoise alert, ensuring a controlled and coordinated approach to locating missing American Indians.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=41&year=25