STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives late Monday passed HB2894, a bill sponsored by Representative Khyl Powell, Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, that strengthens and expands the state’s Silver Alert system to better protect Arizona’s most vulnerable individuals. The bill ensures that law enforcement agencies issue Silver Alerts immediately for qualifying missing persons and mandates comprehensive training to improve response times and effectiveness.

“HB2894 is about protecting the most vulnerable among us—children and adults with cognitive impairments who may wander or find themselves in danger, unable to seek help,” said Representative Powell. “This legislation ensures law enforcement acts immediately—without bureaucratic delays—to locate and recover them before it’s too late. When a child with autism or an elderly person with dementia goes missing, every second counts. The bill prioritizes swift action over red tape because delays can put lives at risk.”

HB2894 builds on the Silver Alert system by requiring immediate issuance of an alert when a missing person fits the criteria, eliminating unnecessary administrative delays. It also mandates all law enforcement agencies develop comprehensive Silver Alert training for new employees and conduct annual training for those overseeing missing persons cases. Full details of the bill’s provisions are available here.

The passage of HB2894 aligns with the House Republican Majority’s commitment to public safety, a key pillar of the House Republican Majority Plan. By cutting red tape and strengthening emergency response efforts, this bill helps protect Arizonans and ensures families have every tool available to bring their loved ones home safely.

HB2894 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Khyl Powell is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 14 in Gilbert. He serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.