Public Safety; Ebony Alert System, established to assist in recovery of certain missing persons

HB 48 establishes the "Ebony Alert System" to assist in locating missing Black youth or young adults (ages 12-25) under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, such as potential abduction, trafficking, or safety risks. It requires law enforcement to assess specific factors - like age, disability, or evidence of non-voluntary disappearance - before requesting activation, with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) coordinating alerts via radio, TV, social media, and changeable message signs. Unlike the existing AMBER Alert (for children under 17), this system specifically targets Black youth and young adults, using similar dissemination channels but requiring police determination that public sharing would aid recovery. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not create new penalties or funding.