MS HB873

Establishes the Purple Alert system as a standardized alert mechanism for local law enforcement to aid in searches for missing persons with cognitive disabilities that are not dementia-related.

Allows Purple Alerts to be activated simultaneously with existing Silver Alerts or Amber Alerts if law enforcement determines doing so may improve chances of locating the missing person.

Requires Purple Alerts to target broadcasts to specific geographic areas where the missing person could reasonably be located, with protections to prevent unnecessary disclosure of sensitive health information.

Permits activation only for missing persons with mental, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities (excluding Alzheimer's and dementia-related disorders) who pose credible threats of immediate danger to themselves and likely cannot be found without law enforcement intervention.

Takes effect July 1, 2024, and amends existing Silver Alert law to clarify that local agencies may activate Purple Alerts in addition to other alert systems.