Committee backs missing‑persons alerts expansion; privacy and surveillance concerns surface

The House Community Safety Committee heard lengthy testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 60 70, a package that would (1) authorize limited court‑authorized use of pen registers, trap‑and‑trace and cell‑site simulator devices for community‑caretaking missing‑person searches with 48‑hour judicial review; (2) create two new alert designations — "ebony" alerts for missing Black persons and "purple" alerts for missing people with disabilities — within Washington's Endangered Missing Person Advisory plan; and (3) shift responsibility for the statewide missing‑person website to the Washington State Patrol.

Supporters argued the measures will speed recoveries and reduce search costs. "A purple alert applies to missing individuals of all ages with the diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability who do not meet the criteria for existing alerts," said Lucy Fitzgerald of the Washington Autism Alliance; evidence from other states showed high recovery rates soon after alert adoption, she said.

Prosecutors and search‑and‑rescue advocates urged modern investigative tools. Gary Earnsdorf, a senior prosecutor with the King County Prosecutor's Office, said investigators routinely use digital evidence in criminal matters and need comparable access when a person is missing to trace digital footprints and speed rescue efforts.

Privacy advocates urged limits. "We strongly support the purple and ebony alerts, but we're compelled to oppose the vast expansion of extremely invasive wire and electronic‑communication surveillance that is sneakily tucked into this bill," said Maya Morales of Washington People's Privacy, arguing the change lowers the legal standard for surveillance and risks Fourth Amendment violations.

Staff noted safeguards in the bill: judicial authorization is required, use must end when the information is obtained or after 48 hours if no order is obtained, and agencies must delete unauthorized cell‑site‑simulator data. Supporters and opponents asked for clarifying language; the committee invited written follow‑up and said legislators would continue to refine the bill before any final vote.

The committee did not take final action on SB 60 70 in this session; staff encouraged written comments from remote witnesses who lacked time to speak.