SB132 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Veterans, Emergency Missing Veteran Alert Program, created, ALEA to implement program, rulemaking authority, activation and deactivation of an alert procedures

Summary

SB 132 would create the Emergency Missing Veteran Alert Program in Alabama to quickly alert the public if a veteran or service member is missing and at risk.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a statewide Emergency Missing Veteran Alert System, using Green Alerts issued by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to aid in locating missing or endangered veterans or service members. All local law enforcement agencies must participate, and broadcasters may voluntarily participate in disseminating alerts. Alerts include details about the veteran and may mention PTSD or other invisible injuries, and notices are broadcast via media, email, fax, and posted online. The system includes procedures for activating and later canceling alerts when the person is found, and provides limited immunity for those who disseminate alerts.

Who It Affects

• Local and state law enforcement agencies are required to participate in the alert system.
• Broadcasting/media organizations may voluntarily participate in disseminating alerts.
• Veterans and armed forces service members who are missing or endangered could benefit from faster public alerts.
• Families and the general public who receive alerts and may help provide information.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Emergency Missing Veteran Alert System (Green Alerts) to help search for missing or endangered veterans or service members, administered by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.
• Requires all local law enforcement agencies to participate; broadcasters may participate voluntarily.
• Defines terms such as 'veteran' and 'broadcaster' and sets activation criteria when a veteran is missing and at risk and rapid alert would help.
• Outlines alert dissemination steps including local media alerts via email and fax, distributing information to media, posting on the agency website, and optional notices about PTSD or invisible injuries.
• Specifies that alerts can be canceled when the veteran is found or the case is closed and requires notification to broadcasters and agencies.
• Provides limited immunity from civil damages for disseminating alerts, except in cases of unreasonable, wanton, willful, or intentional conduct.
• Authorizes rulemaking by the agency to implement the act and sets the act's effective date after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Veterans