The bill mandates the creation and maintenance of a "turquoise alert" system by the Department of Public Safety in New Mexico, specifically aimed at the rapid dissemination of information regarding missing American Indians. The legislation amends the Missing Persons Information and Reporting Act to include a new definition for "turquoise alert," which pertains to missing individuals who are enrolled members or eligible for enrollment in a federally or state-recognized Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo, and who are missing under involuntary, unexplained, or suspicious circumstances, or are at risk due to health or safety concerns, or suffer from a mental or physical disability or substance abuse disorder.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section that outlines the procedures for issuing a turquoise alert, including the responsibilities of the Department of Public Safety and the lead investigating law enforcement agency. The procedures involve notifying various media outlets, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and cellular service companies to ensure the alert reaches the public effectively. The bill also requires the collection and maintenance of records related to each turquoise alert issued, including details such as the municipality of origin, age, gender, and recovery date of the missing person.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 29-15-2
Final Version: 29-15-2