LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today announced that the House passed legislation that will set up a system to alarm the public of missing senior citizens who are incapable of returning home without assistance, much like the AMBER Alert for missing children.
"This is a progressive program that will provide another level of security and protection to our seniors," Ebli said. "More than 300 children nationwide have been rescued nationwide because of the AMBER Alert system, and it will serve as an outstanding model for a Senior Medical Alert program. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House have passed this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act quickly on this bill."
The legislation would create a law requiring law enforcement officials to issue a missing persons report within five hours of the senior citizen's disappearance, as opposed to 24 hours. The report would then be filed on several law enforcement reporting networks.
The report must include a physical description of the senior; the date, place and time of the senior's last known whereabouts; the senior's address; information gathered about the senior's disappearance through a preliminary investigation; and a statement about the disappearance by the officer in charge.
"The AMBER Alert system has proven to be highly successful, and a program for our seniors will provide an important level of protection for our loved ones," said Aaron Simonton, executive director of The Monroe Center. "I applaud Representative Kate Ebli and members of the Michigan House for acting quickly on this legislation."
The bill also would require law enforcement personnel to alert news media, but places no mandates on broadcasters and journalists.
"Especially as the cold weather sets in, every second is crucial when it comes to locating a missing senior," said Barb Mazur, director of the Frenchtown Senior Citizens Center. "Communication and speed are vital in the effort to make sure that missing seniors are able to return home safely."
The legislation now heads to the Senate.