Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) announced Assembly passage of bi-partisan legislation he sponsored that would improve the Amber Alert Plan by requiring the state Division of Criminal Justice Services to work with local governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure every jurisdiction in New York has implemented a fully operational local Amber Alert Plan (A.8312/S.5470).

"This legislation will ensure that not only a statewide Amber Alert Plan is in place – but that local governments have established an operational alert program as well," said Magnarelli. "Children missing from small towns, suburban areas or large cities should all be afforded the same opportunity to be returned safely to their families."

Magnarelli authored the law that brought the Amber Alert Plan to New York State (Ch. 375 of 2002) and he’s committed to making the life-saving tool even better. Last year, he sponsored a law that allows information about a missing child to be sent to Internet and mobile service providers that agree to participate, leading to people receiving Amber Alerts through e-mails or text messages on their phones, computers or electronic organizers (Ch. 381 of 2004).

"With new ways to send information – such as e-mailing and text messaging – becoming more and more popular, it’s important to make sure Amber Alert is working at its full effectiveness," said Magnarelli. "This law takes advantage of new technology and will save more lives."

To date, there have been eight Amber Alert notifications in New York since the program went statewide in 2002. The plan was created to serve as a quick and ready response to child abductions. Three-quarters of the program’s recoveries have occurred since October 2002, when the Amber Alert Plan became a coordinated national effort.

"Amber Alerts have helped avert tragedy for many families," Magnarelli said. "By continuing to enhance the Amber Alert Plan, more people will be informed about a kidnapping and there will be an even better chance the child will get back home safely. Upon expected passage by the state Senate today, I urge the governor to sign this legislation into law immediately."