State Rep. Graham Filler (R-93)

WLNS-TV (Lansing) reported this week (9/2) that State Rep. Graham Filler (R-93) unveiled his plan to expand Michigan’s AMBER alert system by changing the criteria to issue an AMBER Alert to not require evidence of abduction when the missing child is disabled.

Michigan State Police, who oversees AMBER Alerts will only issue an alert if they believe that a child under the age of 18 has been abducted. The approval and activation requirements for an AMBER Alert include:

• Law enforcement believes a child under 18 has been abducted and is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
• There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the general public which could assist with the safe recovery of the child and/or the apprehension of the suspect.

Filler told the station that “Michigan’s current Amber Alert system is too limited in scope,” says Rep. Filler. “We need to ensure that when a child with special needs goes missing, we can immediately mobilize all resources necessary to help find them. This measure is about saving lives and giving families hope when every second counts.”

WLNS writes that after the death of a 2-year-old child in Clinton County last year, Rep. Filler says he’s introduced a new House bill to address the unique dangers disabled children face when they go missing. “These are our most vulnerable children — kids who may not be able to call for help or understand the dangers around them,” Rep. Filler says. “We need to act quickly, and this bill will ensure that first responders have the tools they need to respond effectively.”