This bill establishes a green alert system within the Iowa Department of Public Safety to assist in locating missing at-risk veterans. An at-risk veteran is defined as one who is reported missing under circumstances that suggest they may be experiencing a mental health crisis or other conditions that pose a credible concern for their well-being. The green alert can be activated when a missing veteran is reported, specific facts indicating a potential threat to their well-being are provided, and the report is verified by a peace officer or designated public safety official. The system mandates that alerts be reviewed every 72 hours and terminated once the veteran is located or the risk has passed. Knowingly submitting a false report to this system is classified as a simple misdemeanor.
The bill emphasizes confidentiality, stating that green alerts will not be disseminated to the general public or through publicly accessible channels. Information will only be shared with specific entities such as law enforcement, hospitals, and mental health providers. Responses to green alerts must prioritize de-escalation and voluntary engagement, and the system is designed to operate independently from public emergency alert channels to avoid interference with alerts related to child abduction or imminent threats. Additionally, the Department is required to maintain annual statistics on the green alert system while protecting personally identifiable information, which cannot be released without consent from the veteran or their legal representative.