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 establishes the alert as the "Joshua Alert" and outlines the criteria for activating the alert, which includes confirmation from local law enforcement that the individual is missing and poses a credible threat of immediate danger. The bill also clarifies that local law enforcement agencies are not required to notify the statewide emergency alert program within the first 24 hours of receiving information about a missing individual, except in cases where the individual is under 18 and has autism spectrum disorder or another developmental disability, in which case immediate notification is required.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect participating broadcast stations and their employees from liability related to the alert program. It also repeals the existing section 5502.522, effectively replacing it with the new language that incorporates these changes. The bill aims to improve the response to missing persons cases involving vulnerable populations, ensuring timely alerts and coordination among various agencies.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5502.522