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Ohio House unanimously approves 'Joshua Alert' to speed response for missing children with disabilities
Summary
House Bill 359, the Joshua Alert, passed the Ohio House unanimously to add a targeted statewide emergency alert for missing children with autism or developmental disabilities; sponsors said the measure responds to a fatal delay in 2024 and uses existing alert infrastructure.
House Bill 359, known as the "Joshua Alert," passed the Ohio House by a recorded unanimous vote (95–0). Sponsors said the bill strengthens Ohio’s emergency alert system to add a targeted notice when a child under 18 with autism or another developmental disability goes missing.
Representative Gross, one of the bill’s sponsors, described the measure as a response to the 2024 death of 6‑year‑old Joshua Alatif Jr., saying the alert will "mobilize local agencies, leverage existing alert systems, and engage media partners to spread the word quickly, saving precious time in search for these children." Gross recognized Joshua’s mother, identified on the floor as Janissa Cook, and she and family members were present in the gallery.
Representative Cecil Thomas recounted a five‑ to six‑hour delay before an alert was issued in Joshua’s case and said that every second matters for children who may be nonverbal or otherwise vulnerable. Sponsors and supporters stressed the measure uses existing emergency infrastructure and requires no new technology or resources.
The clerk recorded 95 affirmative votes and 0 negative votes. After passage in the House, the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
