Governor Tony Evers signed a new bill into law aimed at addressing gaps in the Amber Alert system.
The bill was created after the deaths of two children highlighted issues in the system — including Milwaukee's Prince McCree. Evers signed the bill at Hawley Environmental School, where Prince was a student.
While attending classes there, Prince was known for his energy and love of Spider-Man. Governor Evers hopes the new law will prevent more tragic deaths like Prince and 10-year-old Lily Peters of Chippewa Falls.
Prince's mother reported him missing last year. However, he was not eligible for an Amber Alert since no suspect description was available. Prince's body was found a day later.
The Prince Act loosens criteria to issue alerts for missing children. It utilizes the emergency alert system to mobilize communities to try and resolve those cases faster. It will broadcast information on highway signs, digital billboards, and social media.
The new alert will apply to children 10 years old and younger, along with children under 18 who have disabilities that prevent them from coming home. It reaches those not covered by Amber Alerts.
Prince's family was present at the emotional bill signing.
"I'm just relieved that the bill is being passed because it's going to be so much help for so many more children that need the help," said Darron McCree, the boy's father. "It's another way for him to be a hero."
13-year-old Audrianna Lloyd, Prince's cousin, considered him a best friend.
"I remember when I found out. I was getting out of church and I was like crying full on crying," Lloyd remembered. "I hope, with this bill being passed that no other family will have to go through what we went through because no family deserves that," Lloyd stated.
State Senator LaTonya Johnson was a major force behind getting this law passed. She says she wants to call it the Purple Alert in honor of Lily Peters.
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