HB 1385 Summary

• Creates Yellow Alert system for hit-and-run incidents resulting in death or serious bodily injury, allowing law enforcement to request Florida Highway Patrol activation within specified geographic areas using dynamic message signs on state highways.

• Establishes requirements for Yellow Alert activation: person killed or seriously injured, suspect fled using state highway system, investigating agency has suspect/vehicle information (complete or partial license plate with identifying characteristics), and public dissemination would help avert harm or apprehension.

• Authorizes Florida Highway Patrol to prioritize multiple Yellow Alert requests based on injury severity, time elapsed since incident, or likelihood of suspect apprehension.

• Creates Lockdown Alert system allowing local law enforcement to activate Emergency Alert System and notify public and private schools and child care facilities of imminent threats, with agencies required to maintain lists of schools and facilities in their jurisdictions.

• Establishes Imminent Threat Alert system for Department of Law Enforcement to issue public notifications of imminent threats (such as violent felons who fled) through Emergency Alert System and dynamic message signs, with detailed suspect and vehicle information to be included when available.

• Takes effect October 1, 2019.