BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2639

By: Pickett

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that the statewide silver alert utilized by the Department of Public Safety for situations in which certain older adults with a diagnosed mental condition go missing does not adequately address the needs of individuals who have been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, as these patients are typically younger than 65 years of age. H.B. 2639 seeks to address this issue by including persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease among the persons covered by the statewide silver alert, regardless of age.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2639 amends the Government Code to include a missing person who has Alzheimer's disease among the individuals for whom the Department of Public Safety is required to develop and implement the statewide silver alert.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.