HB48 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public Safety; Ebony Alert System, established to assist in recovery of certain missing persons

Summary

HB48 would create an Ebony Alert System to help recover missing Black youth and young adults in Alabama under specified circumstances.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to activate Ebony Alerts at the request of a local law enforcement agency when such an alert would aid the search. If ALEA agrees, the alert would be issued in the geographic area requested and coordinated with media outlets. Upon activation, be-on-the-lookout notices, electronic flyers, or changeable message signs could be used, with dissemination through radio, television, cable, satellite, and social media. Activation would rely on factors like age (12-25), possible disability, unexplained or suspicious disappearance, trafficking concerns, and the availability of information for public dissemination.

Who It Affects

• Black youth and young adults (including young women and girls) who are missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, who may receive Ebony Alerts to speed recovery.
• Law enforcement agencies and ALEA, which would have a formal process to request, authorize, and disseminate Ebony Alerts and coordinate public communications.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Ebony Alert System to coordinate alerts for missing Black youth and young adults under defined circumstances.
• LEAs may request ALEA to activate an Ebony Alert; ALEA's concurrence triggers activation within the requested geographic area.
• During activation, disseminate information via radio, TV, cable, satellite, and social media; issue be-on-the-lookout alerts, electronic flyers, or changeable message signs.
• Changeable message signs may be used if a vehicle may be involved and identifying information is available for public dissemination.
• Activation criteria include age 12-25, possible disability, unexplained/suspicious disappearance, potential trafficking, and other factors indicating danger or need for public assistance.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Safety & Emergencies