Senate Passes Silver Alert Act

The “Silver Alert Act” by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 2030 creates a statewide Silver Alert for missing senior citizens. This alert would be issued when a citizen over the age of 60 is believed to be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairment, whose whereabouts are unknown, and whose disappearance poses a credible threat to the safety and health of the person, as determined by a local law enforcement agency.

Just as an Amber Alert is broadcast through various media outlets when a young child is missing, the Silver Alert legislation allows for warnings to be distributed by, but not limited to, radio stations, television stations, newspapers and local support organizations.

“The Silver Alert Act puts a vital public safety measure in place for Oklahoma families going through the stress and concern of a lost loved one,” said Coffee. “This alert will provide many additional eyes and ears in crucial searches.”