Action Alert #9 Spectrum Alert Act

On Wednesday, April 15^th at 10 AM, the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee will discuss House Bill 74 (HB74) by Representative Michael Echols.

This bill would create a new alert for children with Autism who go missing.

What’s good about this bill?

• Creates a new “Spectrum Alert” for missing children with Autism
• Requires law enforcement to:
  • Confirm the child is missing
  • Share information with the public
  • Update the public when the child is found
• Allows for the alert to be shared through text messages, email, flyers and other public notices
• Requires training for law enforcement on how to respond to children with Autism

What’s missing?

• Only covers children, not adults
• Only applies to Autism, not all intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
• Does not clearly require fast, statewide or local alerts
• Requires the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to create rules and policies, but key details are not in the bill

This bill is a step forward to help Louisiana create a new alert and require training, but it is still limited. Louisiana needs an alert for all people with I/DD, not just children or one diagnosis.

How to Take Action

You can share your thoughts about HB74 with the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.

Email or call the Chair and committee members before the April 15^th meeting. Contact information for members is listed at the end of this alert.

Email your comments and concerns to [email protected] as soon as possible.

When sharing comments, it helps to include:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• The bill you are writing about (HB74)
• 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

TLouisiana 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 Chairman
Debbie Villio	[email protected]	(504) 468-8603
Region 1	New Orleans Area
Alonzo Knox	[email protected]	(504) 568-3101
Region 2	Baton Rouge/Capital Area
Roy Daryl Adams	[email protected]	(225) 634-7470
Emily Chenevert	[email protected]	(225) 366-5063
Vanessa LaFleur (Vice-Chair)	[email protected]	(225) 925-6880
Jeff Wiley	[email protected]	(225) 698-5400
Region 3	Houma/Thibodaux Area
Bryan Fontenot	[email protected]	(985) 447-0999
Jeff Wiley	[email protected]	(225) 698-5400
Region 4	Lafayette/Acadiana Area
Doyle Boudreaux	[email protected]	(337) 886-4687
Chad Boyer	[email protected]	(337) 332-3331
Region 5	Lake Charles/Southwest LA Area
Chairman Only (see top of list)
Region 6	Alexandria/Central LA Area
Chairman Only (see top of list)
Region 7	Shreveport/Northwest LA Area
Dodie Horton	[email protected]	(318) 949-2463
Region 8	Monroe/Northeast LA Area
Pat Moore	[email protected]	(318) 362-3014
Region 9	Hammond/Northshore Area
Jeff Wiley	[email protected]	(225) 698-5400
Region 10	Jefferson/New Orleans Area
Vincent Cox, III	[email protected]	(504) 361-6013
Debbie Villio (Chair)	[email protected]	(504) 468-8603

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