A pair of bills sponsored by State Reps. Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) and Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) that expand protection efforts for missing children in Michigan have been signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. 

“This is a crucial win for public safety,” said Rigas. “This legislation is named in honor of Rowan Milford Morey, a six-year-old whose tragic death in Isabella County revealed severe flaws in Michigan’s emergency alert system. During a custody dispute, Rowan’s mother repeatedly requested assistance from police, but an Amber Alert could not be activated because the case did not reach the legal standards for an abduction. The laws had to change, and today, we celebrate that victory.” 

House Bills 4517 and 4518 expand Michigan’s child alert system by allowing public broadcasts for missing children, not just children who are believed to have been abducted. In addition, it will authorize the use of social media to distribute information to alert the public about missing children. 

“These bills ensure that when a child disappears, law enforcement has more flexibility to alert the public and mobilize resources immediately,” Rigas said. “While no law can undo the horrible circumstances that made this legislation a necessity, the Rowan Act honors his memory by giving Michigan families a better chance at bringing their children home safely.” 

The new law also requires the Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert for a missing child with special needs or for any missing child determined to be in danger following a preliminary investigation. Under the law, a child with special needs is defined as someone under the age of 26 who has a qualifying disability, requires specialized services, and has not yet graduated from high school. 

“Getting this information into the hands of the public as quickly as possible will save lives,” Rigas said. “I’m deeply thankful to all my colleagues who helped move this legislation through so Michigan families have the protections they deserve.”