Bill Introduced to Extend Alert System to Adults The Washington State Senate is reviewing Senate Bill 6070, which would create a Purple Alert for missing adults with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities, and an Ebony Alert for missing Black individuals [1][2]. The proposal mirrors existing Amber and Silver alerts, aiming to trigger mass notifications on highway signs and radio broadcasts [2]. No vote has been taken; the measure is still in the hearing stage [1].

Jonathan Hoang’s Disappearance Fuels Advocacy Jonathan Hoang, a 21‑year‑old with autism and a cognitive level of a nine‑year‑old, vanished from Arlington on March 30, 2024 [1][2]. His sister, Irene Pfister, asserts the likelihood of abduction and highlights the absence of a rapid‑response alert for vulnerable adults [2]. The family’s testimony before the Senate Law and Justice Committee underscores personal stakes in the legislation [2].

Student‑Led Bill Drafting Highlights Civic Engagement High school students from Lake Washington High School researched alert models nationwide and assisted Pfister in contacting Senator Manka Dhingra, who agreed to sponsor the bill [1]. The same students are credited with drafting the bill’s language, emphasizing a grassroots approach to policy change [2]. Their involvement is portrayed as a model of youth‑driven legislative advocacy [1].

Current Alert Mechanisms Seen as Insufficient Authorities note that the Endangered Missing Persons Advisory (EMPA) lacks a mass‑notification component and is only displayed on highway signs when a vehicle is involved [2]. In Hoang’s case, an EMPA was issued five days after his disappearance, illustrating delays in public awareness [2]. The Purple Alert bill would define clear activation criteria and grant police authority to obtain digital‑evidence search warrants [2].