Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Better Protect Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Bill Would Strengthen Missing Persons Alerts and Expand Education and Training for First Responders

U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act. This legislation will enhance the national missing person alert system, as well as expand state-level first responder training and education to better protect and serve individuals with intellectual disabilities and adults with Alzheimer's or dementia.

"Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense," said Senator Schmitt. "The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives."

The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act strengthens existing national missing-person alert systems by amending Kristen's Act to expand the definition of "health care needs" by including developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's, and dementia, as well as the PROTECT Act to direct states to provide specialized training for first responders to better respond to missing individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.

Read the full text of the legislation HERE.

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