Bill > SB5822

This bill modifies Washington state's missing persons alert systems by establishing clearer definitions and requirements for different types of alerts, including Amber Alert (for missing children), Endangered Person Alert, Silver Alert (for persons 60 and older), and Missing Indigenous Person Alert. The bill changes existing law to make cooperation by local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies mandatory rather than voluntary, and requires voluntary cooperation from media outlets. It also introduces a new annual reporting requirement for the Washington State Patrol, mandating they submit a comprehensive report to the governor and legislature by March 31st each year, detailing alert activations, outcomes, recovery times, jurisdictional information, staffing, and public outreach efforts. The bill provides specific criteria for each type of alert, such as defining an Amber Alert as applying to children under 18 who are suspected of being abducted and believed to be in imminent danger. Additionally, the reporting requirement includes provisions for case summaries and recommendations for potential legislative or administrative improvements, with the reporting requirement set to expire on March 31, 2030.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5822&Year=2025&Initiative=false