Grassley, Klobuchar, Tillis, Schumer Bill to Aid Families of Missing Autism, Alzheimer’s Patients Passes Congress
WASHINGTON – Congress today passed
bipartisan legislation to help families locate missing loved ones with
Alzheimer’s disease, autism and related conditions. Kevin and Avonte’s
Law (S. 2070), named in honor of two boys
with autism who perished after wandering from safety, also supports training
for caregivers to prevent and respond to instances of wandering. The bill, led
by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator Amy
Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.),
was included in an omnibus government funding package, which now awaits
President Trump’s signature before becoming law.
“The feeling of dread and
helplessness families must experience when a loved one with Alzheimer’s or
autism goes missing is unimaginable. But when communities are empowered to lend
a hand, these terrifying situations can have positive endings and even be
prevented altogether. This bill, named for two boys – one from Jefferson, Iowa,
and one from New York City, improves access to technologies that advance the
search for missing children. It also expands specialized training for
caregivers and first responders to help prevent wandering by vulnerable individuals.
I’m grateful for all of those who worked together to get this important bill on
the books to honor Kevin and Avonte and prevent future tragedies,” Grassley
said.
“Families and caregivers should
have the support they need to keep their loved ones with Alzheimer’s, autism,
and other developmental disabilities safe. This legislation will help to
educate and train caregivers to prevent wandering and provide our law
enforcement officers with the tools they need to help recover missing loved
ones,” Klobuchar said.
“I’m
pleased Kevin and Avonte’s Law will become law so we can help
save lives and give families a greater peace of mind. This
legislation has a deep personal meaning for me, as I was a caregiver for my
grandmother during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I want to thank
Chairman Grassley for his tireless efforts to support this law that will help
families and caregivers reunite with loved ones who wander and disappear. Kevin
and Avonte’s Law will truly make a difference in preventing tragedies,”
Tillis said.
“Making voluntary tracking
devices available to vulnerable children with autism or adults with Alzheimer’s
who are at risk of wandering will help put countless families at ease. After
Avonte Oquendo ran away from his school and went missing, I learned just how
prevalent wandering is among children with autism and other development
disorders. I am proud to have continued to speak up for those who cannot and to
have co-authored this important bill, which will help Avonte Oquendo’s memory
live on, while helping to prevent other children and teens with autism from
going missing,” Schumer said.
Information on the introduction
of this legislation is available HERE, a bill summary can be found HERE and full text of the
legislation can be found HERE.
In addition to Senators
Grassley, Klobuchar, Tillis and Schumer, the bill is also sponsored by Senators
Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Chris
Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Van
Hollen (D-Md.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Tammy
Baldwin (D-Wis.).
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