Michigan Senate Weighs Silver Alert System to Protect Missing Seniors and Vulnerable Adults

September 16, 2025

The Michigan Senate is considering legislation to create a statewide "Silver Alert" system that would notify the public when vulnerable adults, particularly seniors with conditions like dementia, go missing. Sponsored by Senator Mallory McMorrow, the bill would implement emergency notifications similar to Amber Alerts for children, utilizing existing technology infrastructure to help locate missing seniors quickly. Advocates emphasize the urgency of the system, noting that nearly 60 percent of older adults with dementia will wander at some point, creating potentially life-threatening situations where rapid response is critical.

Who is affected

Vulnerable adults and seniors with conditions like dementia
Families and caregivers of vulnerable adults
Communities of color, particularly Black elders who are disproportionately impacted by dementia
Michigan residents outside Detroit who currently lack access to similar alert systems
Caregivers who shoulder responsibilities with limited resources

What action is being taken

The Michigan Senate is currently considering Silver Alert legislation in committee
Detroit has already implemented its own "Emerald Alert" system for vulnerable missing persons
Lawmakers are weighing how to prioritize funding for the Silver Alert system in upcoming budget cycles
Senate committee is simultaneously considering a separate bill to exempt certain caretakers from jury duty
Public testimony and advocacy efforts are ongoing to support the Silver Alert legislation

Why it matters

Studies show nearly 60% of older adults with dementia will wander at some point
Missing vulnerable adults face life-threatening risks from exposure, accidents, or traffic hazards
The current system has gaps that leave families without tools to quickly locate missing loved ones
Detroit's Emerald Alert creates an inequity where residents in other Michigan cities lack similar protections
The Silver Alert would provide a rare point of equity across zip codes and racial demographics
The system could potentially save lives with minimal cost (estimated at about $20,000 annually)

What's next

Both the Silver Alert bill and the caretaker jury duty exemption bill remain in committee
The Senate will need to vote on the legislation following committee consideration
If passed, the system would need to be funded in the upcoming budget cycle
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle