1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support Hailey's Law, which would create a Pink Alert system to help locate missing children and teens in potentially dangerous situations involving online predators. This legislation addresses a critical gap in our current emergency alert system that cost 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee from Fishers her life. Hailey was last seen on January 5th at her home. She was allegedly lured and groomed online by an older man through video games. Because there were no signs of physical abduction, no emergency alerts were issued. Her body was later found in Ohio. This tragedy exposed a dangerous flaw in our system: Amber alerts require evidence of physical abduction, leaving children vulnerable to online predators who use manipulation rather than force. The proposed Pink Alert would activate when evidence exists of online grooming, suspicious or coercive communications, sudden unexplained disappearance, exploitation or trafficking risk factors, credible threats or alarming digital activity, or vulnerability due to age or circumstances. Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith has explained that this fills the gap between Amber alerts and Silver alerts, creating protection specifically for situations like Hailey's. Due to legislative deadlines, this law cannot be enacted immediately through a standalone bill. However, Lt. Governor Beckwith is urging state senators to add language from Hailey's Law to an existing bill currently under consideration. Time is critical in this short session. I ask that you actively support incorporating Hailey's Law provisions into existing legislation this session. Every day without this protection puts more children at risk from predators who exploit the digital world to groom and lure victims. The law would also mandate education on online grooming in Indiana schools, providing preventive measures alongside emergency response capabilities. Our children deserve comprehensive protection that reflects modern threats. Please act now to ensure Hailey's Law becomes reality in Indiana.