State Representative Gina Johnsen presented her proposal to the House Families and Veterans Committee on Tuesday. The plan aims to establish a medical alert system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults in Michigan.
Johnsen, representing Portland, emphasized the need for modernizing state law to incorporate mobile phone alerts. “My plan is a straightforward and important update to state law that would help ensure that the Michigan State Police establish and maintain a system that uses modern wireless technology to issue alerts when a senior or vulnerable adult is reported missing,” she stated. Current laws require detailed reports shared with local authorities and media but lack provisions for instant mobile alerts.
House Bill 4362, introduced by Johnsen, proposes directing the Michigan State Police to create a Medical Alert System Plan. This Silver Alert would utilize the federal Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system for rapid public notifications once local law enforcement files a report and requests activation.
“This system is already used for urgent alerts like severe weather and AMBER Alerts and is designed to be reliable, quick, and effective,” Johnsen noted. She clarified that the legislation does not alter eligibility criteria for who qualifies as missing but ensures this group benefits from existing alert technologies.
Kristyn Merkle from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and Denneen Smith, Executive Director of the Friendship Centers of Emmet County, joined Johnsen in supporting the Silver Alert initiative during their testimonies.
The bill remains under committee review pending further action.
