Action Alert #8 Emergency Alert for People with I/DD

Senate Bill 34 (SB34) by Senator Patrick McMath was changed (amended) and passed out of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee last week.

The bill will now go to the full Senate for debate.

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

What’s does the amended bill do?

• Adds the Level II Missing Child Advisory into state law
  • Creates “Bryan’s Call” under this alert
  • Used for missing children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
• Expands Silver Alerts
  • Clearly includes adults with disabilities
• Requires law enforcement to act fast
  • Alerts must be sent right away when rules are met
• Requires use of Wireless Emergency Alerts
  • Sends alerts to phones across the state or local area

What does this mean?

The bill is stronger than before.

• Alerts must go out faster
• More people will get alerts quickly when rules are met
• People with disabilities are more clearly included

But there is still a gap:

• People with I/DD are placed in different alerts based on age
• This could be confusing and lead to unequal response
• There is no Bryan’s Call under the Silver Alert for adults with I/DD

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

How to Take Action

You can share your thoughts about SB34 with your Senator. It’s important to contact your Senator soon before they debate the bill (likely next week).

Email or call your State Senator as soon as possible.

• State Senator full contact information.
• Don’t know your State Senator? Click HERE and enter your home address. The second person listed will be your State Senator.

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

Don’t forget tot hank your Senator for their time.

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.

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