FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Phyllis Mundy D-Luzerne www.pahouse.com/mundy

Bill creating missing endangered person advisory system heads to governor

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, announced today the House has passed legislation (S.B. 976) establishing a statewide Missing Endangered Person Advisory System, sending the legislation to the governor for his signature.

"The bill is companion legislation to House Bill 726, which originated in our committee and was passed by the House earlier this year," Mundy said. "MEPAS utilizes the proven framework of the Amber Alert system. Establishing it in the Commonwealth will streamline public and law enforcement notification for the speedy recovery of missing Pennsylvanians, particularly seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other disorders."

Under the bill, the Pennsylvania State Police would be responsible for establishing appropriate protocols and procedures for operating MEPAS, as well as educating and informing local law enforcement agencies and the public about its availability. In addition, law enforcement agencies would be able to request activation of MEPAS when public assistance is considered expedient to the recovery of missing, at-risk individuals.

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