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Senate OKs 'Spectrum Alert' to help find missing children with autism
Summary
Senators approved House Bill 711 (substituted for CS/CS/SB 500), establishing a 'Spectrum Alert' and training for law enforcement and partner agencies to respond to missing persons with autism spectrum disorder; bill includes $190,000 nonrecurring implementation funds in the Senate version.
The Florida Senate unanimously passed House Bill 711 (substituted for CS/CS/SB 500), creating a standardized Spectrum Alert system for missing children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Senator Avila, the sponsor, said the bill requires the Department of Law Enforcement to work with the Department of Transportation, Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, the Lottery and local law enforcement to establish an alert protocol compatible with existing public alert systems. Agencies must develop a training program that includes crisis intervention team training for law enforcement, to help officers de‑escalate interactions and respond effectively when a reported missing child has ASD.
Senator Berman told the floor the new system expands previous 'purple' alerts to include children, citing data that children with ASD frequently 'elope' and can be at high risk near water or traffic. The Senate adopted an amendment making the house bill identical to the senate bill and adding nonrecurring funds of $190,000 for implementation; the Senate version sets a full implementation date of July 1, 2026. The measure passed the Senate 37–0.
