HF2625 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Conditions in which a missing person may be considered to be endangered specified, commissioner of public safety required to establish policies and protocols for issuing alerts to the public regarding missing and endangered persons, and Public and Local Alert Advisory Board established.
Related bill: SF3007
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This Minnesota bill aims to enhance public safety by refining how missing persons, particularly those who are endangered, are reported and communicated to the public. It seeks to update and establish more effective protocols for alerting the community about these cases.
Main Provisions
Definition of Endangered Missing Persons: The bill updates what qualifies a missing person as "endangered." Some criteria include cases of abduction, situations where the person is missing under dangerous circumstances, needs medical attention, or has cognitive impairments like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or autism.
Public Alert System: The bill requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety to work with a newly established advisory board to create policies for issuing public alerts about missing and endangered persons. This includes deciding on the criteria and scope for issuing alerts and the type of information to be shared.
Public and Local Alert Advisory Board: Establishes an advisory board to guide the Commissioner of Public Safety in developing the alert system. The board includes representatives from various sectors such as health, law enforcement, and community organizations dealing with issues relevant to missing persons.
Board Membership: The board consists of 13 members, including designated officials from health, human services, law enforcement, and organizations focused on aging, mental health, and developmental disabilities.
Duties of the Advisory Board: The board's role is to advise on alert protocols, identify types of cases for alerts, recommend information for inclusion, suggest interactions with existing local systems, and identify community partners.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendments to Statutes: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 299C.52 to redefine when a missing person is considered endangered and adds new procedural guidance to section 299C.53 regarding public alerts.
- Permanent Advisory Board: It establishes the advisory board as a permanent entity, ensuring ongoing oversight and evolution of the alert system.
Relevant Terms
- Missing and Endangered Persons
- Public Alerts
- Cognitive Impairment
- Public and Local Alert Advisory Board
- Missing Persons Protocols
- Community Partners
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provides specific conditions defining when a missing person is considered endangered."
],
"removed": [
"None specified."
],
"summary": "This bill specifies conditions under which a missing person may be considered endangered and amends definitions in section 299C.52 regarding public safety.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the terms related to missing and endangered persons."
]
},
"citation": "299C.52"
}
]