Last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Kevin and Avonte’s Law, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) that provides resources to help families locate loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, or other related conditions that make them prone to wander—sometimes with tragic results.
Kevin and Avonte’s Law reauthorizes the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program and authorizes funding to be used for the purchase of tracking technology that helps the families of a child with developmental disabilities recover their child in the event they become separated.
“I’m pleased to see the Senate unanimously pass Kevin and Avonte’s Law, which will help save lives and give families across America a greater peace of mind,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation has a deep personal meaning for me, as I was a caregiver for my grandmother during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. We should be moving heaven and earth to help families and caregivers reunite with loved ones who wander and disappear, and Kevin and Avonte’s Law can truly make a difference in preventing tragedies.”
“There have been too many tragic cases of special needs children and adults wandering away from their caregivers with heartbreaking results,” said Senator Burr. “We need to take additional steps to protect these vulnerable individuals. Law enforcement and families need better tools to locate those with special needs when they are in danger. Think of the kids and adults who will be safer as a result of this legislation. I am pleased the Senate has finally passed this bill, and I urge the House of Representatives to swiftly follow suit.”
Kevin and Avonte’s Law has been endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Society on Aging, Autism Speaks, The Arc, National Autism Association, Safe Minds, and other organizations.
Kevin and Avonte’s Law reauthorizes the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program and authorizes funding to be used for the purchase of tracking technology that helps the families of a child with developmental disabilities recover their child in the event they become separated.
“I’m pleased to see the Senate unanimously pass Kevin and Avonte’s Law, which will help save lives and give families across America a greater peace of mind,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation has a deep personal meaning for me, as I was a caregiver for my grandmother during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. We should be moving heaven and earth to help families and caregivers reunite with loved ones who wander and disappear, and Kevin and Avonte’s Law can truly make a difference in preventing tragedies.”
“There have been too many tragic cases of special needs children and adults wandering away from their caregivers with heartbreaking results,” said Senator Burr. “We need to take additional steps to protect these vulnerable individuals. Law enforcement and families need better tools to locate those with special needs when they are in danger. Think of the kids and adults who will be safer as a result of this legislation. I am pleased the Senate has finally passed this bill, and I urge the House of Representatives to swiftly follow suit.”
Kevin and Avonte’s Law has been endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Society on Aging, Autism Speaks, The Arc, National Autism Association, Safe Minds, and other organizations.
