Arizona signs ‘Emily’s Law’ for Native American alert system

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed legislation May 13 establishing a rapid alert system for missing Native Americans under age 65, known as the “turquoise alert.” The law follows similar systems in Washington, Colorado, California, North Dakota and New Mexico, and was named “Emily’s Law” to honor Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache teen whose remains were found in February after she disappeared from a group home in Mesa.

The law allows alerts when a person is missing under suspicious circumstances or may be in danger, according to lawmakers. Rep. Teresa Martinez, sponsor of the bill, said on the House floor, “We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted.” The FBI recently announced a $75,000 reward for information on Pike’s disappearance and death, adding to a $75,000 offer by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, according to the Associated Press.