SF 64 (LSB 1144XS (6) 88)

SENATE FILE 64

BY  ZAUN

(As Amended and Passed by the Senate 2019-03-25)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use of a mass notification and emergency messaging system for endangered missing persons.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 29C.17A, subsection 3, Code 2019, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  Information disseminated to the public through the mass notification and emergency messaging system shall be limited to imminent emergency and public safety-related issues. For purposes of this section, a “public safety-related issue” includes the circumstances described in subsection 3A. The department may provide access to the system for use at the county and local level. Access by a county or local government shall be at the department’s sole discretion, and if approved by the department, shall be under the control of the local commission. The commission shall establish an operational plan and procedure which meets standards adopted by the department by rule, and shall submit the operational plan and procedure for approval by the department prior to access being granted. Additional access criteria and procedures for administering the fund shall be established by the department by rule.
    Sec. 2.  Section 29C.17A, Code 2019, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  3A.  The department shall adopt rules to utilize the mass notification and emergency messaging system to notify the public about an endangered missing person, together with information that could assist in locating and providing help to such a person. For purposes of this subsection, “endangered missing person” means a person of any age who is missing, who may be in danger due to the person’s age or physical or mental health or due to severe weather conditions, and who may be unable to return to safety without assistance. “Endangered missing person” includes, without limitation, a veteran as defined in section 35.1 or an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, a member of a reserve component thereof, or a member of the national guard, who has a physical or mental health condition related to the military service of the veteran or member and who may be missing as a result of that condition.