The bill establishes and codifies three alert systems in Arkansas aimed at addressing missing persons: the Arkansas Amber Alert System, the Arkansas Silver Alert System, and the Missing Endangered Adult Advisory System. The Arkansas Amber Alert System will be administered by the Division of Arkansas State Police, which will serve as the coordinating agency to alert the public about abducted children and set the criteria for activation. Similarly, the Arkansas Silver Alert System will focus on disseminating alerts for missing seniors and adults with cognitive disorders, with the same administrative structure and responsibilities.
Additionally, the bill introduces the Missing Endangered Adult Advisory System, designed to assist in locating missing adults who do not qualify for the Silver Alert but have mental or cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or other non-substance abuse-related disabilities. This system includes specific safeguards to ensure that its activation is appropriate and respects the privacy and dignity of the missing individuals. The Division of Arkansas State Police will also oversee the activation procedures and monitor the system's effectiveness, while the Department of Public Safety is authorized to create rules for implementing these new provisions.