Republican State Representatives KC Tomlinson and Kristin Marcell both who represent Bucks County are co-sponsors of “Aiden’s Law,” legislation introduced by State Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) in the House to safeguard the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens.
Leadbeter was joined by family members of Aiden Ha, legislators and advocates for a press conference held this past Tuesday, to announce the formal introduction of House Bill 2102 – known as Aiden’s Law – and urge continued support.
This initiative, which he champions, is named after Aiden Ha, a 6-year-old nonverbal and autistic child from Columbia County who was tragically found dead in a river in October.
Credit: PA GOP
Leadbeter’s legislation would create a Purple Alert system in Pennsylvania. Similar to Amber Alert for abducted children, Silver Alert for missing older adults and Green Alert for missing at-risk veterans, the Purple Alert system would rapidly notify the public and law enforcement when an individual with certain cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities goes missing.
“Aiden’s heartbreaking passing shattered our communities,” said Leadbeter. “As a father, every parent’s worst nightmare is losing their child. As a brother of a police officer, I know firsthand how law enforcement is the last line of defense to protect those who are unable to do so themselves. This effort has bipartisan support. We must act with urgency and enact this into law so tragedies like these can be prevented from happening again.”
According to Leadbeter, Pennsylvania would join Florida, Maryland, Kansas, Mississippi, Connecticut and West Virginia if this program were to become implemented into law.
Click here to watch Leadbeter’s remarks.
Click here to view the entire press conference.