Michigan lawmakers took a significant step toward modernizing the state’s Amber Alert system as two bills, collectively known as “The Rowan Act,” received unanimous approval from the House committee on Veterans and Families.
The bipartisan legislation, House Bills 4517 and 4518, passed with a 10-0 vote. The bills aim to remove current restrictions that limit when state police can issue alerts for missing children.
“This isn’t a bipartisan, democrat or republican situation; this is a save children situation,” said Brandi Morey-Pols, mother of 6-year-old Rowan, whose tragic death last year inspired the legislation.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Child Protection
The proposed changes would grant Michigan State Police broader authority to activate Amber Alerts when they believe a child is in danger, even in cases involving custody disputes or children with special needs.
Current limitations prevented alerts from being issued in situations involving parental custody matters.
Rep. Angela Rigas (R-District 79), one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized the legislation’s potential impact.
“This change gives law enforcement the flexibility needed to respond swiftly to potentially life-threatening situations, putting safety above all else,” Rigas said.
A Mother’s Mission for Change
For Morey-Pols, the legislative progress represents a bittersweet victory.
Her son Rowan disappeared during a visit with his biological father last August.
Despite her immediate concerns, existing restrictions prevented authorities from issuing an Amber Alert because Rowan was with a biological parent.
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“It was pure agony. I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat,” Morey-Pols recalled of the 52-hour wait.
Rowan was killed by his biological father in an apparent murder-suicide. Both were found dead from gunshot wounds in a camper.
Within the last year, Morey-Pols also created “The Rowan Project.”
Modernizing Alert Distribution
Beyond expanding activation criteria, the legislation also modernizes the distribution of alerts.
The updates would enable law enforcement to utilize social media platforms and push notifications to spread urgent messages more effectively.
“In Rowan’s case, had his mother’s concern sparked a timely alert by authorities and the court system, this tragedy could’ve been a different story,” Rigas said.
The bills now advance to the full House for consideration before moving to the Senate.
If passed, the legislation would represent one of the most significant updates to Michigan’s Amber Alert system in recent years.