MADISON — This morning, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation strengthening Wisconsin’s Missing Child Alert system by expanding the age eligibility for alerts. In response, Senator LaTonya Johnson released the following statement:
“Since its creation in 2024, we have seen what a difference the Missing Child Alert can make for kids whose situation does not meet the criteria to qualify for an AMBER Alert. This new alert has been issued 24 times for 21 children, helping mobilize communities across Wisconsin to help locate missing kids. The bill signed today expands the program by increasing the age limit for Missing Child Alerts, ensuring older children who may still be in danger can benefit from the same rapid public notification.”
This change was driven in part by cases like Lily Peters, a 10-year-old girl from Chippewa Falls who went missing in 2022 and was later found murdered. At the time, Lily’s disappearance did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. Under the previous Missing Child Alert rules, her case also would not have qualified for the system. The legislation signed today closes that gap, so cases like Lily’s can trigger alerts going forward.
“No family should have to be told that their child does not qualify for a public alert. By expanding this system, we are making sure more children can benefit from a rapid public response when they go missing.”
Sen. Johnson thanked advocates, families, and law enforcement partners who worked to strengthen Wisconsin’s alert systems and help ensure missing children receive the attention and resources needed to bring them home safely.