Kelly Hayes
An alert system to help locate missing individuals with cognitive disabilities has been approved by the Senate.
The bill (SB 184), filed by Palm Beach Democratic Sen. Lori Berman, passed in a unanimous, 40-0 vote on the Senate floor Wednesday.
The legislation would establish a Purple Alert system under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which would be used to help search for a missing adult who is in danger and has a mental or cognitive disability, a brain injury or another physical, mental or emotional disability.
Wandering can be a danger to a person with limited cognitive abilities, according to an analysis of the bill. About 12% to 60% of individuals with a cognitive disability wander, and about 5% of wandering instances result in physical harm.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia disorder would not qualify under the Purple Alert, but likely would qualify under the existing Silver Alert structure. A person in danger from substance abuse would also not be covered under Purple Alert.
When a Purple Alert is issued, local law enforcement agencies would broadcast information to the media and subscribers in the area where a missing adult is believed to be located.
The alert can be broadcast on lottery terminals in locations like supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations.
If a missing person case is opened along with the Purple Alert, message signs on state highways would be activated.
The state already has a Silver Alert, which is for older people or people with deteriorating intellectual faculties.
The House is expected to vote on the bill this week. The bill (HB 79), sponsored by Boyton Beach Rep. Joe Casello, did not face questions in its second reading Tuesday.
Casello said the bill was inspired by Joshua Marshall, who wandered off from his family home. He was unable to speak or ask for help because of cognitive disabilities. His body was later found in a retention pond.
