The bill amends Chapter 42-28 of the General Laws to establish a new PURPLE alert program aimed at quickly alerting the community about missing adults who have serious or substantial physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities, or medical conditions that raise concerns for their immediate safety and wellbeing. The program will be developed by the division of state police in consultation with the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and other appropriate agencies. It will create a voluntary partnership among law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and other entities to disseminate emergency alerts designed to assist in locating these individuals.

Criteria for a PURPLE alert citizen include being 18 years or older, having a serious or substantial disability or condition that poses a credible threat to their safety and health, being a resident of Rhode Island, and having their whereabouts unknown. The serious disability or condition must be documented by the missing person's family, legal guardian, or long-term care facility.

The bill outlines procedures for implementing the PURPLE alert, including the establishment of protocols, procedures, and rules by the state police and RIEMA. It mandates that RIEMA review these policies and procedures annually and conduct mandatory training for all personnel involved in the PURPLE alert operations. The act is designed to enhance the response to cases of missing adults with significant health concerns and will take effect upon passage.