FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5556

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Darneille, Dammeier, Schlicher, Conway, Roach, McAuliffe, Becker, Carrell, Delvin and Shin).

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committee on Public Safety

Background: The Endangered Missing Person Advisory (EMPA) program was developed and implemented in 2010. Its purpose is to enhance the public's ability to assist in recovering endangered missing persons who do not qualify for inclusion in an Amber Alert. The Amber Alert plan was originally designed to collect information about missing children. EMPA is initiated by law enforcement when the Amber Alert criteria are not met and a person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances; the person is believed to be in danger; the incident was reported to law enforcement; and there is enough descriptive information available to assist in the person's recovery.

Summary: Missing endangered person is defined as a person with a developmental disability or a vulnerable adult believed to be in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, a combination of environmental or weather conditions, or is believed to be unable to return safely without assistance. The Missing Children Clearinghouse is renamed the Missing Children and Endangered Person Clearinghouse. The EMPA plan is created and maintained by the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Social media may be used to enhance the public's ability to assist in recovering abducted children or missing endangered persons. Law enforcement agencies must file the missing person report into the state missing person computerized network within six hours instead of within 12 hours.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49
House	93	(House amended)
Senate	48	(Senate concurred)