RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-725

A resolution supporting SB0015/HB0339 currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly that would establish a senior citizen alert system in Tennessee.

WHEREAS, statistics show that the first few hours are critical in finding missing persons, especially senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, the AMBER Alert system is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry whereby child abduction alert bulletins are distributed by radio, television, electronic traffic condition signs, and LED billboards; and

WHEREAS, the AMBER Alert system has been successful in recovering 443 children since the inception of the program in 1996; and

WHEREAS, legislation is currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly (SB0015/HB0339) that would require the Tennessee bureau of investigation ("TBI") to implement an alert system similar to the AMBER Alert system that would be activated on behalf of missing senior citizens who have a verified impaired mental condition and whose disappearance poses a credible threat to the safety and health of the person; and

WHEREAS, the alert system program will be a coordinated effort among the TBI, local law enforcement agencies and the state’s television and radio broadcasters; and

WHEREAS, once local law enforcement verifies that a senior citizen is missing and confirms through the missing person’s family that he/she has an impaired mental condition, the local law enforcement agency may notify the TBI, who will in turn issue the alert across the state; and

WHEREAS, in order to protect the health and safety of our senior citizens, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly enact the Senior Citizen Alert System in Tennessee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting SB0015/HB0339 currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly that would establish a senior citizen alert system in Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Rip Ryman