Massachusetts 194th General Court Status: Introduced 1 D cosponsors

H2657 — An Act establishing a Purple Alert system in the commonwealth

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  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

An Act establishing a Purple Alert system in the commonwealth

Bill Text

  • Full text Current

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill establishes a new chapter (22F) in the General Laws to create a Purple Alert Program specifically for identifying and locating missing persons with disabilities.

  • CHAPTER 22F. PURPLE ALERT PROGRAM TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING AND LOCATING MISSING PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY

    Introduces a new chapter regarding a Purple Alert Program.

  • Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: ...

    Defines key terms related to the Purple Alert Program.

  • Section 2. (a) The executive office shall establish a Purple Alert Program to assist in identifying and locating missing persons with disabilities.

    Mandates the creation of a targeted program for missing persons with disabilities.

  • (b) The program shall include a system for rapidly disseminating information to the public, including descriptions, photographs and information about the missing person's disability and susceptibility to wandering behaviors.

    Requires rapid information dissemination regarding missing persons with disabilities.

  • (c) The Purple Alert system shall include procedures to monitor the use, activation and results of alerts and a strategy for informing and educating law enforcement, the media and other stakeholders concerning the alert.

    Establishes monitoring procedures and educational strategies for the Purple Alert system.

  • Section 3. (a) After receiving missing person’s report pursuant to section 4, a local law enforcement agency may activate a Purple Alert after determining that: ...

    Defines the conditions under which a Purple Alert may be activated.

  • (b) A local law enforcement agency may activate a Purple Alert notwithstanding the existence of an active Silver Alert or Amber Alert for the same missing person if the local law enforcement agency determines that a Purple Alert may improve the chances of finding the person.

    Allows overlapping alerts to be issued for the same missing person in certain circumstances.

  • Section 4. (a) To initiate a Purple Alert, the family, legal caregiver or custodian of the missing person shall file a missing person's report with the local law enforcement agency where the person became missing.

    Specifies who can initiate a Purple Alert by filing a report.

  • (b) Upon receiving a missing person’s report, the local law enforcement agency shall: ...

    Outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies upon receiving a missing person report.

  • Section 5. (a) The Purple Alert Program shall provide, to the greatest extent possible, for the protection of the privacy, dignity and independence of the missing person by including standards aimed at preventing the inadvertent or unnecessary broadcasting or dissemination of sensitive health and diagnostic information.

    Ensures protections for the privacy and dignity of missing persons with disabilities.

  • (b) The broadcasting and dissemination of alerts and related information shall be limited to the geographic areas where the missing person could reasonably be, considering the person's circumstances and physical and mental condition, the potential modes of transportation available to the person or suspected to be involved, and the known or suspected circumstances of the person’s disappearance.

    Limits the geographical area for alert dissemination to improve effectiveness and protect privacy.

  • Section 6. (a) A Purple Alert shall be terminated when the missing person is located or when circumstances no longer warrant its continued activation.

    Defines the criteria for terminating a Purple Alert.

  • (b) The local law enforcement agency that requested the activation of the Purple Alert shall notify the executive office immediately upon locating the missing person or determining that the alert should be terminated.

    Requires local law enforcement to notify the executive office of the Purple Alert's status.

  • SECTION 2. This act shall take effect 90 days after passage.

    Establishes the effective date for the new legislation.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (203)

203 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

What does H2657 do?
An Act establishing a Purple Alert system in the commonwealth
Who sponsors H2657?
H2657 is sponsored by Jack Patrick Lewis (Democrat).
What is the current status of H2657?
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track H2657?
Track H2657 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 4 months ago · updated continuously

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