House File 3531 Summary

• Establishes a statewide "Silver Alert System" administered by the Minnesota State Patrol in consultation with the Department of Public Safety to locate missing adults age 18 and older diagnosed with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

• Requires local law enforcement to notify the Minnesota State Patrol, the Alzheimer's Association, and media outlets when a missing person with dementia or cognitive impairment meets activation criteria including credible threat to safety and unknown location.

• Mandates the Department of Public Safety adopt rules specifying procedures for verification, reporting requirements, mandatory law enforcement training in dementia search techniques, media notification protocols, and e-mail notification network systems.

• Provides immunity from civil damages for persons or entities participating in the Silver Alert System dissemination unless acting in bad faith or recklessly.

• Appropriates unspecified funds in fiscal year 2011 to the commissioner of public safety for training in the Silver Alert System.