Tri-City Sun

State Representatives Jerry Neyer and Angela Rigas have announced the passage of the Rowan Act, a legislative effort aimed at updating Michigan’s Amber Alert System. The legislation, consisting of House Bills 4517 and 4518, seeks to change how Amber Alerts are activated and distributed in order to improve child safety across the state.

“The Rowan Act, HB 4518, is named in memory of six-year-old Rowan Morey, whose life was tragically cut short after a failed custody exchange,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “This legislation is about giving law enforcement the discretion they need when a child is missing and in danger – even if the situation doesn’t meet the state’s definition of abduction. It recognizes that danger doesn’t always come with flashing lights or dramatic headlines. Sometimes, it’s a delayed return. Sometimes, it’s a special-needs child who’s vulnerable in ways our current system doesn’t account for.”

The bill was introduced following an incident involving Rowan Milford Morey, who died along with his biological father in what authorities described as a murder-suicide on August 21, 2024, in Isabella County. According to reports, limitations in existing state law prevented early activation of emergency alerts after Rowan was not returned on time during a custody exchange. When police performed a welfare check at the request of Rowan's mother, both were found deceased.

“This bill package was created to better protect children by strengthening Michigan’s Amber Alert system,” said Neyer, R-Shepherd. “In Rowan’s case, a timely alert could have saved his life. With this reform, we ensure that no other parent has to endure that same devastating silence.”

Under Rigas’ bill, Michigan State Police would be authorized to activate Amber Alerts based on their assessment that a child is in danger—not only when abduction is suspected as currently required by law. This measure gives law enforcement greater flexibility when responding to potentially dangerous situations involving children.

Neyer’s component of the legislation updates how alerts are communicated by adding social media platforms as part of official broadcasts.