Action Alert #6 Emergency Alert for Those with I/DD

On Wednesday, April 1^st at 9 AM, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will discuss Senate Bill 34 (SB34) by Senator Patrick McMath.

This bill would make changes to Louisiana’s missing person alert system.

What’s good about this bill?

• Adds Level II Endangered Missing Child Advisory into state law
• Helps explain how alerts should be used
• Gives state police the final say on which alert to send
• Offers training to law enforcement, but only if they ask for it

What’s missing?

• No special alert for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) of all ages
• Level II Advisory alerts are not as strong or as urgent as Amber Alerts
• Does not require training or policies to be created

This bill is a step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough. Louisiana needs a strong, statewide emergency alert for people with I/DD of all ages.

Fortunately, amendments are expected to help address many of these issues.

If you would like more information about this issue, check out the More Information part below.

How to Take Action

You can share your thoughts about SB34 with the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

Attend Yellow Shirt Day

• Wednesday, April 1st at 9 AM
• Louisiana State Capitol – John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room on the Senate side
• Arrive early to get a seat

Email or call the Chair and committee members before the April 1st meeting. Contact information for members is listed at the end of this alert.

Email your comments and concerns to sh&[email protected] at least 4 hours before the meeting starts.

When sharing comments, it helps to include:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• The bill you are writing about (SB34)
• A short description of your experience or concerns

It is always helpful to thank members for their time and attention.

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help or would like more information.

You can watch the meeting live on the Louisiana Legislature’s website. When the meeting begins, a link will appear to watch it.

More Information

Louisiana does have an emergency alert system to reach the public when someone goes missing. It can send messages to phones, TVs, radios, billboards and road signs.

Louisiana has some alerts now:

• Amber Alert: for abducted children only (strong alert)
• Endangered Missing Child Advisory: for missing children (limited alert)
• Silver Alert: often used for older adults (limited alert)

Some alerts are limited, which means fewer people may see them. This can delay help.

This matters because:

• Some people with disabilities may wander or get lost
• Some may not understand danger
• Some may not be able to ask for help
• Unsafe situations can happen quickly

Time matters. The first few hours are critical.

Other states have alerts for people with I/DD. These alerts help:

• Share information quickly
• Support faster response
• Involve the public
• Improve safety

A special alert could help fill this gap in Louisiana and support faster response when someone with I/DD is missing or in danger.

Check out LaCAN’s fact sheet.

Committee Members are sorted by region. Find your region and members below!

All Regions	Committee Chair
Patrick McMath	[email protected]	(985) 900-6278
Region 1	New Orleans Area
Robert “Bob” Owen	[email protected]	(985) 639-0400
Region 2	Baton Rouge/Capital Area
Valarie Hodges	[email protected]	(225) 791-2199
Region 3	Houma/Thibodaux Area
Chairman Only (see top of list)
Region 4	Lafayette/Acadiana Area
Gerald Boudreaux	[email protected]	(337) 267-7520
Heather Cloud	[email protected]	(337) 461-2595
Bob Hensgens	[email protected]	(337) 740-6425
Region 5	Lake Charles/Southwest LA Area
Heather Cloud	[email protected]	(337) 461-2595
Region 6	Alexandria/Central LA Area
Heather Cloud	[email protected]	(337) 461-2595
Katrina Jackson-Andrews (Vice-Chair)	[email protected]	(318) 343-2877
Jay Luneau	[email protected]	(318) 484-2288
Region 7	Shreveport/Northwest LA Area
Jay Luneau	[email protected]	(318) 484-2288
Thomas Pressly	[email protected]	(318) 862-9920
Region 8	Monroe/Northeast LA Area
Katrina Jackson-Andrews (Vice-Chair)	[email protected]	(318) 343-2877
Jay Luneau	[email protected]	(318) 484-2288
Region 9	Hammond/Northshore Area
Valarie Hodges	[email protected]	(225) 791-2199
Patrick McMath (Chair)	[email protected]	(985) 900-6278
Robert “Bob” Owen	[email protected]	(985) 639-0400
Region 10	Jefferson/New Orleans Area
Chairman Only (see top of list)

Confirm Your Action

• Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
• Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Tips & Tools for Advocacy

Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101 page. You can also find tips for:

• Writing/emailing your legislators
• Calling your legislators
• Writing your story