HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 102

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Nick L. Salazar

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE AGING AND LONG-TERM SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A NOTIFICATION AND BROADCAST ALERT PROGRAM FOR MISSING AND ENDANGERED SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, in 2003, New Mexico enacted the AMBER Alert Law for the purpose of rapidly disseminating information throughout the state about child abductions so that law enforcement agencies and New Mexico residents can be aware and vigilant; and

     WHEREAS, through the cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies, the media and New Mexico residents, the AMBER alert program has been successful in rescuing children who have been abducted, as evidenced by the recent return of a five-month-old kidnapping victim to her mother in Albuquerque; and

     WHEREAS, other states, such as Indiana, have extended the AMBER alert program concept to missing and endangered senior citizens who may be incapable of returning home without assistance; and

     WHEREAS, the recent disappearance of an eighty-year-old woman from her home in El Guache demonstrates the possible need of extending the AMBER alert program concept to missing and endangered senior citizens in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the aging and long-term services department and the department of public safety be requested to study the feasibility of implementing a notification and broadcast alert program for missing and endangered senior citizens in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include the cooperation of other agencies as appropriate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aging and long-term services department and the department of public safety report the results of the study, including legislative recommendations, to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the aging and long-term services department and the department of public safety.

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