H.R. 9118: Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026, aims to improve the way alerts are issued for individuals with certain disabilities who go missing. It proposes changes to existing laws concerning alerts for missing persons, specifically targeting adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia.

Key Provisions

1. Expanded Definition in Alerts

The bill amends the language in the current alert system, known as Kristen's Act, to include individuals who:

• Have a developmental disability, which is defined in existing federal law.
• Have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

This means that when a person goes missing and is believed to have one of these conditions, the alerts issued will now reflect this information, making it clear that special considerations may need to be taken into account for their care and handling.

2. Training for Responders

The legislation calls for enhanced training programs aimed at aiding law enforcement and rescue personnel in responding effectively to situations involving:

• Missing adults with developmental disabilities.
• Missing children with developmental disabilities.

These training programs will be established to provide guidelines and knowledge on how to best approach and assist individuals who may have specific needs due to their disabilities, ensuring a more informed and sensitive response during searches.

3. Implementation of Training Programs

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirement for:

• Educational programs related to missing adults with developmental disabilities, targeted at local and state law enforcement agencies.
• Training materials for states, territories, and tribal governments focusing on children with developmental disabilities.

This reflects an effort to standardize and improve the response to missing person cases involving those with disabilities across various jurisdictions.

Overall Goals

The overall goal of this legislation is to enhance the effectiveness of alerts and to improve the response systems in place for individuals with disabilities who go missing. By ensuring that critical information is included in alerts and that responders are trained to adequately understand and assist these individuals, the bill aims to increase the chances of a safe recovery.

Relevant Companies

None found.