The bill amends section 5502.522 of the Revised Code to enhance the statewide emergency alert system specifically for cases involving missing autistic or developmentally disabled children. It introduces the "Joshua Alert" designation for alerts issued under certain conditions. The bill clarifies the criteria for activating the alert, including the requirement that the missing individual poses a credible threat of immediate danger, which now explicitly includes situations where the individual is nonverbal or has limited communication abilities. Additionally, it stipulates that local law enforcement agencies must notify the statewide emergency alert program immediately if the missing individual is under eighteen and has a developmental disability.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing legal framework by removing the previous requirement for law enforcement to notify the statewide program within the first twenty-four hours of receiving information about a missing person, except in cases involving minors with developmental disabilities. It also ensures that participating broadcast stations and their employees are not liable for damages related to the alert broadcasts. Overall, the bill aims to improve the response to missing persons cases involving vulnerable populations by streamlining the alert process and providing clearer guidelines for law enforcement agencies.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5502.522
As Reported By House Committee: 5502.522