HB908 Details

Texas House Bill 908 (HB908) requires law enforcement agencies to report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Here's what you need to know about the bill:

- *Bill Purpose*: The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of missing child investigations and improve coordination in locating missing children by mandating law enforcement agencies to promptly enter missing child report information into NCMEC.

- *Key Provisions*:

    - *Reporting Requirement*: Law enforcement agencies must enter missing child information into NCMEC within two hours of receiving the report.

    - *Information Sharing*: Agencies must inform the person who filed the report that the information will be entered into NCMEC.

    - *Database Entry*: The bill requires entry into NCMEC, in addition to existing requirements for state and federal databases.

- *Effective Date*: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

- *Background*: Current state law requires law enforcement agencies to enter missing child report information into certain state and federal databases, but there was no explicit requirement to notify NCMEC. This bill seeks to ensure broader awareness and mobilization of resources for child recovery efforts.

- *Impact*: The bill is expected to improve the effectiveness of missing child investigations and compliance with national best practices without creating new criminal offenses or increasing punishment for existing offenses.

Here's a breakdown of the differences between Amber Alerts, the Athena Law, and HB908:

*Amber Alerts:*

- Issued when a child is abducted and believed to be in imminent danger

- Broadcast through various media channels, such as TV, radio, and cell phones

- Criteria for activation include:

    - Confirmed abduction

    - Child's age (typically under 18)

    - Sufficient descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle

    - Belief that the child is in imminent danger

*Athena Law:*

- Allows law enforcement to issue a localized alert for missing children without confirmation of abduction

- Activated in cases where a child goes missing under circumstances that don't meet Amber Alert criteria

- Typically broadcast within a localized area, such as a 100-mile radius

- Aimed at quickly disseminating information and gathering leads in cases where a child's safety is a concern

*HB908:*

- Relates to the reporting and investigation requirements for missing child cases

- Mandates law enforcement agencies to:

    - Investigate and enter the child's information into national databases

    - Share information with nearby law enforcement agencies

    - Inform the person who filed the report about the entered information

- Focuses on improving the handling and reporting of missing child cases, rather than issuing alerts

In summary:

- Amber Alerts are for confirmed abductions with imminent danger

- Athena Law alerts are for missing children without confirmation of abduction, but with concerns for their safety

- HB908 is about reporting and investigation requirements for missing child cases, not specifically about issuing alerts

Each serves a distinct purpose in helping to locate missing children and ensuring their safety.

Mark and Glenda Durham,  Pastors www.newlinesoffaith.com 

#EVERYBODY #everyone #missing