Arizona has enacted a new law aimed at improving the state's emergency response when individuals with cognitive disabilities go missing. House Bill 2894, signed into law in May, officially renames and expands the state's Silver Alert system to create what is now known as the Seek and Find Alert System.

The change is intended to ensure faster, broader, and more consistent responses when vulnerable individuals—including those with autism, dementia, or other cognitive conditions—are reported missing, regardless of their age.

Previously, Arizona's Silver Alert system was limited in scope, primarily targeting missing seniors with certain medical conditions. The updated law removes those restrictions, requiring law enforcement agencies across the state to take immediate action once a qualifying person is reported missing.

The law also eliminates potential delays caused by prior missing incidents or internal procedural barriers. Additionally, all Arizona law enforcement agencies will now be required to provide regular training for officers and dispatchers who handle missing person cases, ensuring that agencies are prepared to activate the alert system promptly and appropriately.

"When a vulnerable person goes missing, there's no time to waste," said Representative Khyl Powell, who sponsored the legislation. "Whether it's a child with autism or an adult with dementia, families deserve to know that every resource is being deployed—immediately—to bring their loved one home."

The bill received broad bipartisan support and is seen as a key part of the legislature's broader public safety priorities. The Seek and Find Alert System will now function alongside other existing statewide alerts such as AMBER Alerts, but with updated procedures and wider eligibility criteria for issuing alerts.

Local law enforcement agencies, including those in Pinal County, are expected to implement the required training and system updates before the law takes full effect.

Representative Powell, who serves Legislative District 14 and is Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has emphasized the importance of removing red tape in time-sensitive situations, particularly for individuals who may be unable to seek help or identify themselves.

The updated system is expected to enhance Arizona's ability to coordinate missing person alerts and reduce the time it takes to mobilize a public response when someone vulnerable disappears.