Assembly Bill 477 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, provided they do not qualify for other alert systems like Amber Alerts.

The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Missing Child Alert system by broadening the age range of children who can be included in these alerts, thereby potentially increasing the chances of locating missing children who may be at risk. The proposed change reflects a recognition of the vulnerabilities faced by children aged 10 to 12 and aims to ensure that law enforcement and the community can respond more effectively to cases involving missing minors.

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