Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth, including young women, men, nonbinary, boys, and girls, who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8386
SPONSOR: Burroughs TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the creation of a
"ebony alert system" for missing Black youth
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish a statewide "Ebony Alert System" to facilitate the rapid
and effective recovery of missing Black youth who are at risk, develop-
mentally or cognitively impaired, or missing under suspicious or danger-
ous circumstances.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new Section 837-y to the Executive Law directing the
Division of Criminal Justice Services, in coordination with other rele-
vant agencies, to implement a statewide "Ebony Alert System." Key
provisions include:
-Activation criteria for the alert system, focusing on Black youth aged
1225 who may be at risk due to various vulnerabilities.
-Appointment of a statewide coordinator and adoption of procedural rules
for law enforcement agencies.
-Guidelines to ensure privacy protections, including HIPAA compliance.
-Required collaboration with state agencies, media outlets, and dynamic
message signage systems to disseminate alerts.
-Termination protocols and cross-jurisdictional notification options,
including border alerts.
Section 2 sets the effective date for 30 days after becoming law.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
N/A
JUSTIFICATION:
Black youth, particularly those aged 12 to 25, are disproportionately
represented among missing persons cases yet often receive less media
coverage and law enforcement prioritization. This bill addresses these
disparities by creating a targeted alert system similar to existing
Amber or Silver Alerts. It ensures timely and widespread dissemination
of information that could lead to the safe recovery of vulnerable indi-
viduals, enhancing public safety and community responsiveness.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Minimal. Existing infrastructure such as dynamic message signs and media
channels will be leveraged. Implementation costs are expected to be
absorbed within current agency budgets
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law.
