SCOTT TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A state representative is planning on introducing a bill that will notify communities and law enforcement when a child with autism goes missing.
State Representative Robert Leadbeter released a memo on Monday, announcing his plans to push a purple alert system, which would quickly notify community members and law enforcement when a child with autism or other cognitive disabilities goes missing.
It would send users a photo, description, and last known location of the missing individual statewide.
The system would mirror others, like amber, green, and silver alerts for other groups.
The push comes just days after seven-year-old Aiden Ha went missing and was found dead in the Susquehanna River over the weekend.
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Representative Leadbetter says the system, also known as Aiden's law, is crucial to protecting children with disabilities.
"I'm not suggesting that this is a magic wand, but I do want to make sure that our agencies, fire companies, municipal police departments, PSP, have all the tools that they could possibly have in supporting our community and keeping people safe," Representative Leadbeter stated.
Representative Leadbeter says the bill is getting support from constituents. He hopes it will get bipartisan support moving forward.
"Getting the constituent feedback after the tragedy was announced really was something I was then able to utilize and champion with my colleagues," Representative Leadbeter continued.
The representative tells 28/22 News he hopes to introduce the bill soon. States like Connecticut and Florida already have purple alert systems in place.
