KENTUCKY HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

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Alert system for missing persons with disabilities subject of bill pre-filed for 2012 legislative session
Proposal would set up “Chase Alert” system in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 15, 2011) – Rep. Brad Montell, R-Shelbyville (58th District) announced today he is pre-filing legislation that if passed would establish a statewide alert system for any missing child or person who has or is known to have a developmental disability, which would be known as a “Chase Alert.” Rep. Montell says the system would be named after Chase McMurray, a Shelby County boy who has autism.

“When a person is missing, seconds count in alerting police, emergency services and the public with the proper information so they can be found,” said Rep. Montell in filing the bill.  “We have seen the success of the Amber Alert System in locating children who are missing or have been taken, and the Golden Alert System when someone from Kentucky’s elderly population goes missing.  But we don’t have an alert system when someone with a developmental disability disappears from their home or care center, and time can be very critical for them and their loved ones.”

Montell said he was contacted by the McMurray family last fall when an autistic child from central Kentucky was missing from home for three days.  Rod and Debi McMurray have an autistic son named Chase, who is 22 years old, has severe autism and is non-verbal.  The McMurrays say they were concerned about what would happen if he were to wander away from home.

“Chase has no way of telling people his personal information or knowledge of finding his way home.  Then when I saw the story of 7-year old Randell Chesser, who had wondered away from home I was heartbroken,” said Debi McMurray.  “And I was shocked to find out that an “Amber Alert” couldn’t be issued for Randell because he had not been abducted.  I thought an “Amber Alert” would cover any missing or abducted child. The news went on to ask for volunteers to look for little Randell who also suffers from autism and is non-verbal. I asked myself what I would do if this was Chase.”

“When you are in the midst of a crisis as a parent you hope there are procedures in place to facilitate a speedy recovery. Thankfully Randell was found 48 hours later three miles from his home by courageous volunteers who refused to give up the search,” McMurray added. “In response to this frightful event and fears about my own son, I decided to lobby for an alert designed specifically for those most at risk in Kentucky, the developmentally disabled.”

Rep. Montell’s bill seeks to revise KRS 39F.010 to include defined language of someone who has a developmental disability, including but not limited to autism.  His proposal would direct that any search for a missing person with a development disability be reported as a “Chase Alert,” which would be reported to state and local police, local search and rescue or emergency manager, and the Department of Emergency Management. 

It also directs the Kentucky State Police and local emergency officials provide information to local radio, television and other media outlets as soon as it is determined that the missing person has a developmental disability.  Rep. Montell worked closely with Chase’s mother, Debi McMurray, and the Council on Developmental Disabilities in drafting the bill.

“People with developmental disabilities need a heightened level of protection.  A disability can greatly impede the success of a search for missing persons,” said Donovan A. Forwalt, Director of Government Affairs with The Council on Developmental Disabilities.  “The Chase Alert will give First Responders more tools, training and insights.  It is progressive and timely.  Rep. Montell offers peace of mind and practical support to all families caring for a loved one with a developmental disability.”

The bill is pre-filed as BR 300 for the 2012 Regular Session.