Ohio House Passes "Joshua Alert" Bill to Protect Vulnerable Children

COLUMBUS, OH – State Representative Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) this week announced that the Ohio House of Representatives have passed House Bill 359, legislation to establish the Joshua Alert — a statewide emergency alert system designed to protect children with autism and other developmental disabilities who go missing.

House Bill 359, jointly sponsored with Representative Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), honors the memory of 6-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., a young boy with autism from West Chester who tragically lost his life in November 2024 after going missing near his home.

“With the passage of House Bill 359 — the Joshua Alert — we honor the life of six-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. and turn unimaginable tragedy into meaningful action,” said Rep. Gross. “This legislation ensures that when a child with autism or a developmental disability goes missing, every second counts. By mobilizing law enforcement, first responders, and our communities faster, we can save lives and spare other families the heartbreak Joshua’s family endured. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues for standing with us to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable children.”

The Joshua Alert will activate a coordinated, statewide response utilizing Ohio’s existing alert systems. Once a child with a diagnosed developmental disability is verified as missing, law enforcement can issue an alert through broadcast, digital, and community channels, ensuring the public is quickly informed and engaged in search efforts.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.