Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4670
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T17:53:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 4670: Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026
Purpose
This bill aims to expand the Ashanti Alert communications network, established under Kristen's Act, to better support alerts for missing adults who have developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia. It also requires training programs to help responders handle cases involving missing adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Key Provisions
- Short title: The legislation is named the "Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026."
- Amendments to Kristen's Act:
- Requires that alert information include details on whether a missing individual has a developmental disability (defined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000), Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, in addition to existing health care needs.
- Updates the criteria for issuing alerts to cover individuals diagnosed with mental disabilities, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, replacing the prior phrasing of "proven mental or physical disability."
- Training requirements:
- Adds training and education programs for law enforcement on responding to missing adults with developmental disabilities.
- Requires similar training programs under the PROTECT Act for missing children with developmental disabilities, available to states, U.S. territories, and Tribal governments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Kristen's Act (34 U.S.C. 21904 and 21906) is updated to broaden the scope of missing person alerts and add specialized training.
- The PROTECT Act (34 U.S.C. 20501) is amended to include training for cases involving missing children with developmental disabilities.
- These changes expand eligibility criteria and response protocols beyond prior focus on mental or physical disabilities.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies may need to update alert systems and implement new training, potentially increasing administrative and operational demands on the Department of Justice.
- On citizens: Families and caregivers of missing individuals with disabilities could benefit from more tailored alerts, which might improve search efforts and safety outcomes.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, and their families.
- Law enforcement agencies at federal, state, local, and Tribal levels.
- State governments, U.S. territories, and Tribal governments responsible for implementing training programs.
- Organizations involved in missing persons alerts and disability advocacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill operates within existing federal authority over missing persons programs and does not appear to raise new constitutional issues, as it builds on prior legislation like Kristen's Act and the PROTECT Act.
- It emphasizes diagnostic criteria over prior "proven" standards, which may affect how cases qualify for alerts but maintains focus on voluntary participation in the alert network.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (3 pages)