SB340 Summary

• Establishes the Blue Alert system, a statewide notification system coordinated by the Director of the Department of Public Safety to alert participants when a suspect in a crime involving death or serious injury of a peace officer remains at large and poses a serious public threat, or when a peace officer is missing in the line of duty.

• Directs the Director to adopt rules for implementing the system, including procedures for activation and deactivation, and to prescribe forms for law enforcement agencies requesting alert activation.

• Authorizes the Department of Public Safety to recruit media, commercial entities, government agencies, and other participants to assist in developing and implementing the system, and to enter into agreements with participants for necessary support.

• Requires participating law enforcement agencies to cooperate with the department, establish plans for notifying their officers and employees when alerts activate, and utilize rapid response telephone systems to alert residents in targeted areas.

• Limits civil liability for any entity or individual involved in disseminating alerts generated through the system and becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.