State Representative Khyl Powell's (R-14) HB2894, which strengthens and expands Arizona's Silver Alert system, has passed the State House of Representatives and will go to the Senate.
Silver Alerts are issued when people with specific cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities or are over the age of 65 go missing.
Rep. Powell's bill improves Arizona law enforcement's ability to issue alerts more quickly. It also mandates more comprehensive training for new employees and annual training for employees involved in cases of missing persons, thereby increasing the effective response rate.
In the press release, Rep. Powell said, "HB2894 is about protecting the most vulnerable among us—children and adults with cognitive impairments who may wander or find themselves in danger, unable to seek help. This legislation ensures law enforcement acts immediately—without bureaucratic delays— to locate and recover them before it's too late. When a child with autism or an elderly person with dementia goes missing, every second counts. The bill prioritizes swift action over red tape because delays can put lives at risk."
HB2984 marks the latest in a string of Arizona Republican victories. State Representative Quang Nguyen's HB2374, which cracks down on foreign law enforcement agencies operating on American soil, passed the House last week.
Specifically, Rep. Nguyen's bill increases penalties for stalking, harassment, assault, and threats when committed by foreign agents to coerce or retaliate against individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights. Additionally, foreign law enforcement who attempt to operate in Arizona will be charged with a Class 2 felony.
In mid-February, HB2703 also passed the House. It contains several provisions to speed up Arizona's infamously slow vote counting. The first of these establishes a firm deadline for early ballots to be returned at voting locations by 7 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.
Additionally, Arizona's counties must provide on-site vote tabulation during the early voting period, including the Saturday and Monday before Election Day.
