Abbott signs ‘Athena Alert’ law; lets police issue alert as soon as child goes missing
Gov. Greg Abbott signed the “Athena Alert” bill into law on Tuesday, allowing law enforcement to quickly issue a regional alert when a child goes missing without confirmation of an abduction, the Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group announced.
The law — named in honor of 7-year-old Athena Strand who was found dead just miles from her home after she was kidnapped — takes effect immediately.
The Athena Alert is similar to an Amber Alert, except it allows law enforcement to quickly activate an alert in a localized area – within a 100-mile radius and to neighboring counties – where a child goes missing without verification of an abduction. It closes the gap between the time a child vanishes, and when a statewide Amber Alert may be issued.
“I would like to thank Governor Abbott and Texas lawmakers for expediting the Athena Alert and for everyone who supported this life-saving legislation,” said Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy. “It has been six months since Athena was killed and every day has been an indescribable struggle. It gives me comfort to know that Athena’s legacy will live on and help save the lives of other Texas children.”
