HB908 Reporting Missing Children in Texas

HB908 (Click the Link for the Official Bill,  Effective 9/1/25 [HB908 Detail] ) - Police will process all reports of missing children without exception. Now, anyone can report a missing child to any law enforcement agency in Texas, and a police report must be created immediately. Upon receiving a report of a missing child, law enforcement must -

1. Immediately begin an investigation to locate the child.  
2. Within two hours, enter the child's information, including identifying features and details about the person believed to have taken or retained the child, into the clearinghouse and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing persons file.  
3. Within two hours, upload this information into the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  
4. Within 48 hours, electronically share the report and relevant information with law enforcement agencies within 200 miles.  
5. Within 30 days, enter the child's information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).  
6. Notify the reporting person that their information will be entered into various national and state databases and shared with nearby law enforcement agencies.

"3"  There are 3 missing child reporting laws in Texas. Each missing child law serves a distinct purpose in helping to locate missing children and ensuring their safety.

*Amber Alerts*

1. Issued when a child is abducted and believed to be in imminent danger.
2. Broadcast through various media channels, such as TV, radio, and cell phones.
3. Criteria for activation include confirmed abduction.
4. Child's age (typically under 18).
5. Sufficient descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle.
6. Belief that the child is in imminent danger.

*Athena Law*

1. Allows law enforcement to issue a localized alert for missing children without confirmation of abduction.
2. Activated in cases where a child goes missing under circumstances that don't meet Amber Alert criteria.
3. Typically broadcast within a localized area, such as a 100-mile radius.
4. Aimed at quickly disseminating information and gathering leads in cases where a child's safety is a concern.

*HB908* When a child is missing, regardless of the circumstances.

1. Relates to the reporting and investigation requirements for missing child cases.
2. 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 simply issuing alerts.

Mark and Glenda Durham,  Pastors www.newlinesoffaith.com