PA HB434

Pennsylvania State Police required to establish and maintain the Ebony Alert System to notify the public and law enforcement when young people of color ages 12-25 are abducted, missing under suspicious circumstances, or missing with disabilities

Law enforcement may activate statewide alerts when a person of color is missing and factors suggest danger, including potential human trafficking, being with a dangerous individual, or environmental risks

Radio, television, cable, satellite, and social media systems encouraged to disseminate alerts; Department of Transportation may assist with electronic flyers and changeable message signs

$25 assessment automatically imposed on individuals convicted of kidnapping offenses under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 29, with funds used to establish and maintain the alert system

Unauthorized transmission of fake Ebony Alerts subject to civil penalty of up to $5,000; act takes effect 60 days after enactment