Governor Hobbs signed into law HB 2281 (missing indigenous person; alert system). Known as Emily’s Law, HB 2281 establishes the Missing Indigenous Person Alert System (Turquoise Alert) to address the crisis of missing Indigenous persons, particularly women and children. This law works to ensure that Indigenous persons receive help from law enforcement and the public as quickly as possible should they go missing.
The bill is especially critical following the tragic case of 14-year-old Ms. Emily Pike, who is memorialized in the name of this legislation. Introduced on January 21, 2025, by Rep. Teresa Martinez (R) with co-sponsors Rep. Brian Garcia (D), Rep. Mae Peshlakai (D), and Rep. Myron Tsosie (D), the bill passed unanimously through the House (59–0) and Senate (28–0) with minor amendments, demonstrating broad bipartisan support.
Governor Katie Hobbs signed the bill into law Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The legislation amends Arizona statutes to create a quick-response alert system under the Department of Public Safety, aiming to ensure timely action for missing Indigenous individuals.
