Rep. Cunningham files bill in North Carolina House to create alert system for missing disabled persons

A new bill filed by State Rep. Cunningham seeks to create a system for rapid information sharing about missing persons with disabilities to aid in their safe recovery, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 857 on April 9 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Create Alert/Missing Person w/ Disability.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the North Carolina Missing with Disability Alert System within the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons. Its purpose is to create a statewide system for the rapid dissemination of information regarding missing persons or children with disabilities who may be at risk of abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation. The bill mandates that the Center or law enforcement agencies issue alerts quickly upon receiving a report, and both entities are required to develop guidelines and train broadcasters to participate in the alert system. The bill also involves collaborating with the Department of Transportation to use overhead message signs to help locate missing individuals. This act takes effect upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Cunningham proposed the most bills (38) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cunningham graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in 1981 and again in 1996 from Gaston College with an AAS.

Cunningham, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2013 to represent the state’s 106th House district, replacing previous state representative Martha B. Alexander.