State Representatives Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) and Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) today urged the Michigan Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety to swiftly advance House Bills 4517 and 4518, known as the Rowan Act, following testimony delivered by Rep. Rigas before the committee.

The Rowan Act is named in memory of six-year-old Rowan Milford Morey, whose life was tragically taken in August 2024 during a failed custody exchange in Isabella County. Rowan’s mother, Brandi Morey-Pols, a constituent of Rep. Rigas, has been a powerful advocate for these reforms.

“Rowan’s mother repeatedly sought help from law enforcement when her son was not returned as scheduled, yet current law prevented an Amber Alert from being issued because the situation did not meet a narrow definition of abduction,” said Rep. Rigas. “These bills give law enforcement the critical flexibility they need to act when a child is believed to be in danger, while preserving the integrity of the Amber Alert system.”

Rep. Neyer, in whose district the tragedy occurred, emphasized the human cost and the need for change:

“Rowan Morey’s death is something my community will never forget, and it is something we have a responsibility to learn from. This legislation is about making sure no family ever has to endure that kind of silence when urgency is needed most.”

Neyer added:

“What happened in this case was not a failure of law enforcement—it was a failure of the law itself. For more than 50 hours, no Amber Alert was issued because the situation didn’t meet a narrow definition. That is exactly what we are here to fix.”

House Bill 4518 (the Rowan Act) amends the Michigan Amber Alert Act to allow activation when law enforcement determines, following a preliminary investigation, that a missing child — particularly one with special needs — is believed to be in danger. House Bill 4517 updates the Child Abduction Broadcast Act to expand dissemination of alerts through modern channels, including social media.

Both bills passed the Michigan House with strong bipartisan support.

Reps. Neyer and Rigas expressed appreciation for Chair Senator Chang and the entire Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety committee’s interest in the issue. They also want to emphasize their commitment to working together to get the Rowan Act to the Governor’s desk.

“Rowan’s memory deserves more than our thoughts and prayers — it demands action,” said Rep. Rigas. “By passing these bills, we can ensure that no other Michigan family has to experience the heartbreak Brandi Morey-Pols has endured.”