LANSING, Mich.(WZMQ) – A new proposal in the Michigan House could bring real-time alerts to residents’ phones when a senior citizen or vulnerable adult goes missing.
State Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Portland) testified Tuesday before the House Families and Veterans Committee in support of House Bill 4362, which would establish a “Silver Alert” system in Michigan. The system would operate similarly to AMBER Alerts for missing children, using the federal Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system to issue notifications directly to mobile devices.
“Much like AMBER Alerts or severe weather warnings, we should be using every tool available to protect our most vulnerable neighbors,” Johnsen said during testimony. “In this day and age, while we have mobile phones and we can get information across a wide span of people quickly, we should certainly be using all the tools we have.”
Current law requires law enforcement agencies to prepare a detailed report when a senior or vulnerable adult goes missing and share it with local media outlets, including broadcasters and newspapers. However, it does not authorize the use of cell phone alerts.
“This is a missed opportunity to get the word out quickly when every second counts,” Johnsen said. “Just one more tool in the tool belt doesn’t make life easier for those struggling with health or mental acuity issues—but we want to make sure our seniors are looked out for.”
Under the proposed legislation, once a missing person report is filed, local police would be required to notify the Michigan State Police, who would then determine whether to activate the alert system. The bill does not alter the existing definition of a missing senior or vulnerable adult but focuses on improving the speed and reach of emergency communications.
The legislation received support during the hearing from Kristyn Merkle of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and Denneen Smith, executive director of the Friendship Centers of Emmet County. Both testified to the need for faster public awareness in missing persons cases involving older adults.
The bill remains in committee and awaits a vote.
