Farhat, McMorrow and Byrnes Push to Expand Life-Saving Alert Systems: “Every Minute Counts” for Missing Seniors, Vulnerable Adults and Kids

LANSING, Mich., March 9, 2026 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) and community leaders hosted a press conference today to advocate for legislation that would establish a statewide Silver Alert notification system (SB 456), and expand and modernize the state’s Amber Alert system (HBs 4517–18).

“Every moment matters when somebody goes missing,” Farhat said. “Families deserve the peace of mind of knowing that law enforcement is equipped with the tools needed to find their loved ones as soon as possible. We have a responsibility to the most vulnerable people in our communities to implement the most effective safety measures, and this legislation does just that.”

SB 456 — sponsored by Sen. McMorrow, and which passed the Senate unanimously — would require local police to notify the Michigan State Police (MSP) when a senior or vulnerable adult is reported missing. Once notified, the MSP would issue a statewide alert through the federal Wireless Emergency Alert system, similar to an Amber Alert. Current Michigan law allows Silver Alerts to be shared with first responders, but not with the public, who are often the first to report missing seniors and vulnerable adults.

“When a loved one goes missing, a family’s entire world collapses in an instant. No one should have to helplessly wait and wonder when every minute matters,” McMorrow said. “This legislation strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond quickly and get Michigan’s missing seniors and vulnerable adults back where they belong, at home, with the people who love them.”

Recently, the death of Yousif Hassan Naim, a 30-year-old autistic man from Dearborn Heights, brought renewed attention to the dangers vulnerable adults face when they go missing. After he disappeared from his home, family members and community volunteers searched desperately for days before he was later found deceased. His death shows how quickly a missing person case can turn life-threatening, especially for individuals with autism who may wander, have limited ability to communicate, or be unable to seek help.

“The heartbreaking loss of Yousif Naim earlier this year struck a nerve throughout our community,” Byrnes said. “We must do more to ensure the safety of people with autism, and all vulnerable adults, both locally and across the State of Michigan. By reducing response time and increasing visibility of missing persons alerts, the statewide alert plan can help prevent tragedy.”

HBs 4517–18 would strengthen Michigan’s Amber Alert system by allowing the MSP to activate alerts more quickly, updating the criteria and distribution process, and incorporating social media into emergency broadcasts. The legislation was introduced after the death of six-year-old Rowan Morey, when limitations in current state law prevented a faster emergency response. Under the proposed reforms, police could issue an Amber Alert whenever a child is believed to be in danger, including cases involving children with special needs like autism, rather than only when a traditional abduction is confirmed.

“Due to social and behavioral challenges, children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased risk for wandering or becoming lost, putting them at a higher risk for fatal outcomes,” said Dr. Nicole Hamp, developmental and behavioral pediatrician and Chief Health and Policy Officer of Autism Alliance of Michigan. “The Autism Alliance of Michigan is grateful to the Michigan legislature for pursuing this critical legislation that will provide another layer of protection to vulnerable children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this bill will not eliminate all the risks of wandering, it is certain to go a long way to reducing preventable death and tragedy.”

The press conference was attended by representatives from the Autism Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Association, and by community leaders and members impacted by a lack of faster, more robust statewide Silver and Amber alert systems.

“Silver Alert would be a vital tool to protect our seniors and vulnerable adults if passed. Quick public notifications and collaboration between residents and law enforcement can save lives. Every minute counts and Michigan needs this now. I am thankful to Senator McMorrow, Representative Farhat and Representative Byrnes for their advocacy on this nonpartisan issue,” said Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun.  

“Statistically, sixty percent of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia will wander, and the first 24 hours is critical to the search,” said Matt Phelan, Public Policy Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association. “This Silver Alert system proposal would provide a swift response, mobilizing the entire community in the effort to locate wandering adults and bring them home safely to their loved ones.”

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