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Advocates tell committee Purple Alert would speed recovery of missing people with disabilities
Summary
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and advocates urged passage of H 2657 to create a Purple Alert for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who go missing, citing research that such alerts reduce recovery times and stressing careful activation criteria to preserve dignity.
Advocates told the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security that Massachusetts should adopt a Purple Alert to assist in locating missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Jennifer Bertrand, deputy director of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, presented evidence and testimony (including letters from council members) supporting H 2657. She cited research from Maryland (2023) showing a 37 percent reduction in recovery times after implementation of a purple‑style alert and stressed tailored activation criteria so the alert is used for serious, time‑sensitive cases and not overused. Bertrand said the system could save lives in cases where wandering adults or children are at risk of drowning or traffic incidents.
Committee members had no major questions. Advocates asked for a favorable report and for staff to place written testimony in the public record.
