Dearborn board unanimously backs Rowan Act bills to expand wireless alerts for children and vulnerable adults

Trustee Bazzy introduced a resolution the board moved and unanimously approved in support of House Bills 4517 and 4518 (the Rowan Act) and Senate Bill 456. The measures would expand wireless alert authority to include situations where a child or a vulnerable adult is in danger rather than limiting alerts to confirmed abductions, and would allow alerts for certain adults (up to age 26) with special needs in some circumstances.

Trustees discussed the resolution briefly and recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor. Supporters said the bills require little cost to implement and could help local authorities quickly alert residents to protect children and vulnerable adults in emergencies.

The board directed staff to transmit the adopted resolution to state lawmakers and the governor.