Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signs HB2894 into law

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - A bill to strengthen Arizona's emergency alert system for missing persons has been signed into law.

House Bill (HB) 2894 was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) in order to deliver an "important safeguard for individuals with cognitive disabilities and others at risk."

HB2894 is said to ensure law enforcement takes "immediate action when a qualifying person goes missing," expanding the former Silver Alert System, which has been renamed the Seek and Find Alert System, to include people who have cognitive disabilities, and bars delays regarding "bureaucracy or prior missing episodes and requires law enforcement agencies statewide to implement and maintain regular training for personnel handling these cases."

"When a vulnerable person goes missing, there's no time to waste," said Representative Khyl Powell (R-District 14), who sponsored HB2894.

"The Seek and Find Alert System ensures law enforcement won’t be slowed down by red tape or outdated procedures. Whether it's a child with autism or an adult with dementia, families deserve to know that every resource is being deployed—immediately—to bring their loved one home," Rep. Powell added.

To learn more about HB2894, click here.