CHILD ABDUCTION: "AMBER ALERT" - H.B. 6444 (H-1) & 6445 (H-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 6444 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)

House Bill 6445 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)

Sponsor: Representative Nancy Cassis (House Bill 6444)

Representative Laura Toy (House Bill 6445)

House Committee: Family and Children Services


CONTENT


House Bill 6444 (H-1) would enact the "Michigan Amber Alert Act" to require the Department of State Police to establish and maintain the "Michigan Amber Alert Plan". The plan would have to be designed disseminate useful information rapidly in a predetermined manner to radio and television stations within the State. The plan could be activated only in accordance with State Police policies.


House Bill 6445 (H-1) would create the "Child Abduction Broadcast Act" to provide that a radio or television station receiving information concerning a child abduction from the Michigan State Police under the Amber Alert Act, could broadcast that information in any manner designed to assist in locating the child or apprehending a suspect. The information to be broadcast would include all information provided by the State Police.


The information would have to be provided to predetermined radio and television stations by a method agreed to by the State Police and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.


A station that accurately broadcast information obtained from the State Police under the Amber Alert Act would be immune from liability based on that broadcast.


The bills are tie-barred.


- Legislative Analyst: Suzanne Lowe


FISCAL IMPACT


The bills would have a minimal fiscal impact on State and local law enforcement agencies. These agencies already have existing mechanisms for tracking and disseminating information about missing children.


Date Completed: 12-11-02 - Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker

floor\hb6444 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.