SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6162
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Judiciary, January 31, 2012
Title: An act relating to missing endangered persons.
Brief Description: Concerning missing endangered persons.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, Kastama, Shin and Frockt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/26/12, 1/31/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Padden, Regala and Roach.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: The Endangered Missing Person Advisory (EMPA) program was developed and implemented in 2010. It's 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. The 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 of Bill: Missing endangered person is defined as a person believed to be in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, in combination with environmental or weather condition, or is believed to be unable to return safely without assistance. The missing children clearinghouse is renamed the missing children and endangered person clearinghouse. Law enforcement agencies must file the missing person report into the state missing person computerized network within six hours instead of within 12 hours.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: EMPA has been in place for a year and a half, but it is not used. Many law enforcement officers are not even aware of its existence. It is very important that the information is transmitted to the media quickly. Some parents, families, and friends are going out on their own to search because the system works too slowly.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Regala, prime sponsor; Dianna Stadden, The ARC of WA State; Yoshe Revelle, citizen; Cecil Daily, parent; Marshelle Rodin, Kimmie Daily Foundation.