Brief Description: Providing civil immunity for broadcasters participating in the Amber alert.

Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Shin, Kline and Brandland.

Senate Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Judiciary

Background: The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System (EAS), formerly called the Emergency Broadcast System, to air a description of the abducted child and suspected abductor. This is the same concept used during severe weather emergencies. The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.

Summary: There is no cause of action for civil damages against any radio, television, and cable television broadcasting company, including their employees, officers, directors, managers, and agents, based on the broadcast of information under the voluntary broadcast notification system known as the "Amber Alert." This applies to the system under any other name in this state. This immunity applies to the broadcast of the following information: name or description of an abducted child, name or description of a suspected abductor, and the circumstances of a suspected abduction supplied by law enforcement officials. This bill does not limit or restrict any existing immunity or privilege held by any radio, television, or cable television broadcast company.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      46   0
House      95   0

Effective: July 24, 2005