Relating to the reporting by law enforcement agencies of missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Faster reporting for missing Texas children

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas law enforcement agencies must immediately investigate reports of missing children. They must send applicable information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children immediately, within two hours at most. Within two hours, they must also enter information into the state clearinghouse and Texas law enforcement communications system. Entry into the Center’s missing-person file requires the child to meet the Center’s criteria. Reports must include available identifying details, clothing descriptions, and information about anyone reasonably believed to have taken or kept the child. Within 48 hours, agencies must electronically share reports and helpful information with every municipal or county police agency within 200 miles. Within 30 days, they must enter the child’s name and identifying information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Agencies must tell the person reporting the child about database entries, including the national crime database, and nearby police sharing. The law also removes a duplicate version of the reporting provision.