Overview
- Senate Bill 289 clarifies when alerts can be activated and improves coordination in cases involving abducted or endangered children.
- The legislation reinforces Kentucky State Police as the sole authority to initiate Amber Alerts statewide.
- Expanded criteria would include suspected non‑voluntary disappearances and cases involving children in state custody or juvenile placements.
- Provisions authorize immediate announcements across radio, television and digital platforms to speed public notifications.
- The bill is named for 13-year-old Wynter Wagoner, whose case did not meet Amber Alert criteria; she was found safe and a suspect faces charges.