Bill > H698

This bill transfers the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons from the Department of Public Safety to the State Highway Patrol, effectively moving all of its functions, powers, duties, and obligations under the Highway Patrol's control through a Type I administrative transfer. The bill comprehensively updates statutory language to reflect this change, replacing references to the Department of Public Safety and its Secretary with the State Highway Patrol and its Commander. Additionally, the bill recodifies existing statutes and adds new alert systems, including the Silver Alert, Missing Endangered Alert, Ashanti Alert, and Missing-Weather Alert, which are designed to help quickly disseminate information about missing persons under various specific circumstances. The Center will continue to serve as a central repository for missing persons and missing children information, maintain databases, provide a toll-free reporting line, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies. The transfer will become effective on July 1, 2025, and the State Highway Patrol is required to adopt rules consistent with the new legislation. The bill aims to streamline and potentially improve the management of missing persons resources by consolidating them under the Highway Patrol's administrative structure.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H698