Senate Bill 466 proposes an amendment to the current law regarding the issuance of Missing Child Alerts in Wisconsin. The bill seeks to change the age threshold for issuing such alerts from under 10 years old to under 12 years old. This adjustment means that a Missing Child Alert can be issued for minors under 12 who are missing and believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance due to a physical or mental condition or disability, or if they are simply missing without qualifying for other alert systems like Amber Alerts.

The bill is part of a broader effort to enhance the effectiveness of alert systems managed by the Department of Justice, which include Amber Alerts for endangered children, Green Alerts for veterans at risk, and Silver Alerts for missing persons. By raising the age limit for Missing Child Alerts, the legislation aims to ensure that more vulnerable children receive timely assistance when they go missing, thereby improving the chances of their safe return.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 175.51(1m)(a)2, 175.51