The Ohio Senate is considering legislation that would create a statewide emergency alert system for missing children with autism and other developmental disabilities, a proposal that previously passed the Ohio House unanimously.
House Bill 359 would establish what lawmakers are calling a “Joshua Alert,” a notification system designed to quickly alert the public when a child with autism or similar developmental conditions goes missing.
The bill passed the Ohio House on Nov. 12, 2025, and has since been referred to the Ohio Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, according to official Ohio Legislature records. No Senate hearing date has been scheduled as of publication.
What the Bill Would Do
House Bill 359 would require law enforcement agencies to notify Ohio’s statewide emergency alert system when a missing child with autism or another developmental disability meets specific risk criteria.
Authorities could activate alerts through broadcast, digital, and community notification systems once law enforcement confirms the child is missing and may face an immediate safety risk.
The legislation would amend Section 5502.522 of the Ohio Revised Code, according to the official bill summary.
Supporters say the alert system would fill a gap in Ohio’s existing emergency notification programs.
Currently, Amber Alerts are issued when law enforcement believes a child has been abducted, meaning many missing children who wander away — including those with developmental disabilities — do not qualify for the alert.
Named for a West Chester Child
The proposed alert system is named for Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., a 6-year-old West Chester boy who drowned near his home after going missing in November 2024.
Joshua’s mother, Jonisa Cook, testified before the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee in October 2025.
Cook told lawmakers that her son did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert and that hours passed before a broader notification was issued.
“We waited and waited,” Cook told lawmakers during testimony cited by WOSU Public Media.
Cook said she does not blame responding officers but believes law enforcement needs better tools when children with developmental differences go missing.
The push for specialized safety alerts follows other major local safety concerns, including Hilliard School Van Driver Charged with Kidnapping.
Columbus Lawmaker Voiced Support
During House floor debate, Rep. Crystal Lett, a Democrat representing parts of Columbus in Franklin County, spoke in support of the legislation.
“I know firsthand how quickly a moment of confusion or wandering can literally turn into a terrifying situation,” Lett said during floor remarks supporting the bill.
Similar Systems in Other States
Several states have implemented alert systems specifically for missing individuals with disabilities.
Florida, Maryland, Kansas, Mississippi, and Connecticut have adopted similar programs in recent years, according to previous reporting on the legislation.
Ohio lawmakers have not yet scheduled a Senate committee hearing or vote on House Bill 359.
Sources
Ohio Legislature — House Bill 359 bill record and status, Newsradio WTAM 1100 — March 6, 2026