Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9118
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T17:53:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to improve public safety alerts for missing adults and children by expanding the Ashanti Alert communications network to include details on developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. It also seeks to enhance training for responders handling such cases.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 204(b) of Kristen's Act (34 U.S.C. 21904(b)) to require that alerts note whether a missing individual has a developmental disability (defined under 42 U.S.C. 15002), Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, in addition to existing health care needs.
- Updates criteria for issuing alerts by replacing references to a "proven mental or physical disability" with a broader list that includes diagnosed mental, physical, or developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia.
- Adds requirements for training and educational programs under Kristen's Act (Section 206) and the PROTECT Act (Section 301(b)) focused on effective responses to missing persons with developmental disabilities, applicable to states, territories, and tribal governments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of information shared in Ashanti Alerts beyond prior mental or physical disability mentions to specifically cover developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's, and dementia.
- Introduces new mandatory training elements for law enforcement and related personnel, which were not previously required under these sections of Kristen's Act or the PROTECT Act.
Potential Impacts
- May improve alert effectiveness for vulnerable groups, potentially aiding faster recoveries by government agencies and local responders.
- Could increase training demands on federal, state, territorial, and tribal law enforcement, with possible effects on resource allocation but no direct changes to international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and caregivers of missing individuals with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia.
- Law enforcement agencies, state and local governments, territories, and tribal entities responsible for issuing alerts and training.
- Organizations involved in missing persons networks under Kristen's Act and the PROTECT Act.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill operates within existing federal authority over missing persons programs without altering constitutional balances of power or creating new regulatory frameworks.
- It focuses on administrative and training enhancements to current statutes, maintaining neutrality in application across jurisdictions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (3 pages)