Reps. Gross, Thomas Announce Unanimous Passage of The Joshua Alert System

State Reps. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) and Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today announced that House Bill 359, the Joshua Alert, legislation that Support Families with Missing Autistic Children, passed out of the House Children and Human Services Committee.

House Bill 359 clarifies that if a missing child has autism spectrum disorder or another developmental disability, the local law enforcement agency must notify the statewide emergency alert program immediately.

“I'm deeply grateful for the passage of HB 359 through the House Children and Human Services Committee. This is an important step toward ensuring the safety of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. I am hopeful that, in Joshua Al-Lateef Jr.'s memory, this alert system will save lives and prevent other families from experiencing such a tragic loss," said Rep. Gross.

“This bill will save lives. Jonisa Cook, you will save lives. Joshua, you will save lives. The passage of this bill stands not only as closure for Joshua’s family but also as a beacon of hope for families with children like Joshua, who can now rest assured that their community and law enforcement will be there for them,” said Rep. Thomas. “I am truly honored to carry this bill alongside my joint sponsor and deeply grateful to the committee for their diligent work in ensuring this bill moved through so swiftly and with unanimous support. I look forward to seeing this bill on the House floor next week and will continue to push for it to reach the governor’s desk by Joshua’s anniversary in November.”

H.B. 359 awaits consideration on the House Floor.