New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08386

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
5/19/26  

Caption

Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

Impact

If passed, A08386 would amend existing laws to include this new alert system, significantly impacting how missing persons cases involving Black youth are handled. This legislation intends to enhance the urgency and visibility of these cases, potentially leading to faster recoveries. It not only calls for collaboration among law enforcement agencies but also encourages public involvement through media alerts. This could foster a communal response to assist law enforcement in locating missing individuals more effectively.

Summary

Bill A08386 aims to establish a statewide 'ebony alert system' in New York specifically for missing Black youth. The alert would be activated in cases where individuals aged 12 to 25 are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, particularly if they have a mental or physical disability or are presumed to be at risk of harm. This initiative highlights the particular vulnerabilities that Black youth face and seeks to improve the mechanisms by which law enforcement and the public can respond to such cases more effectively. The bill outlines the creation of protocols for the activation of the alert system and mandates a designated coordinator to oversee its implementation.

Contention

Points of contention may arise regarding the prioritization of alert systems, particularly as it introduces a new layer of categorization for missing persons alerts. Discussions around this bill might touch upon equity in how different demographic groups are treated within law enforcement communication protocols. Some legislators or community advocates may express concerns over whether such measures are viewed as valuing one group over another or if they effectively address the disparities in the response to missing persons cases based on race. Additionally, ensuring even distribution of resources and public awareness could be a topic of debate as the new system is implemented.

Companion Bills

NY S06865

Same As Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

Previously Filed As

NY S06865

Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.

NY SB612

Creates the "Ebony Alert System" for abducted or missing Black youth

NY HB19

Creating an Ebony Alert System to send an alert to assist in the recovery of a Black youth, including a young woman or girl, under certain circumstances.

NY SB611

Modifies Amber Alert System to include abducted or missing Black youth

NY HB48

Public Safety; Ebony Alert System, established to assist in recovery of certain missing persons

NY SB1652

Creates the Phoenix Alert System to help identify and locate abducted or missing African American women and girls and establishes an office to prevent and end the targeting of African American women and girls

NY HB4331

Law enforcement: reports; ebony alert system; provide for. Creates new act.

NY HB434

Providing for the Ebony Alert System; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police; and imposing a penalty.

NY SB371

To Establish A Standardized System To Aid In The Search Of Missing Children Who Do Not Meet The Criteria For Activation Of The Arkansas Amber Alert System.

NY A08473

Enacts the "missing vulnerable veterans at risk program act" to establish a missing vulnerable veterans at risk program to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the problem of missing vulnerable veterans at risk.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.