Bill > A05200

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing missing persons cases, with a specific focus on women and children of color and indigenous descent. The legislation creates a specialized missing persons unit within the New York State Police that will have advanced training in responding to missing persons reports and work in conjunction with the existing missing and exploited women and children clearinghouse. The bill expands the clearinghouse's responsibilities to include women alongside children, mandating that by January 1, 2027, law enforcement training curriculum must cover missing and exploited women, with particular emphasis on women and children of color and indigenous descent. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement departments to report semi-annually on closed cases involving missing women, providing detailed information about recovered individuals, victims of criminal activity, and deceased individuals. The legislation also allows for the dispatch of information about missing women over police communication systems, giving law enforcement discretion to protect the investigation or the individual's safety. These changes aim to improve the investigation, prevention, and public awareness of missing persons cases, with a special focus on addressing potential disparities in how different demographic groups are reported and searched for.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5200