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Buzbee Case Drives Legislative Reforms

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The disappearance and death of Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee is prompting Indiana lawmakers to move forward with changes to public safety and social media legislation.

One amendment would expand Indiana’s Amber Alert system, allowing alerts in cases where law enforcement determines a missing person is at high risk, even if the case does not meet current Amber Alert criteria. The proposal stops short of creating a separate “Pink Alert” system, which some advocates had requested.

Lawmakers say concerns remain that issuing too many alerts could reduce their effectiveness. The issue is expected to be studied further over the summer.

Buzbee’s case has also renewed attention on social media legislation at the Statehouse. Lawmakers are reviving a proposal that shifts away from an outright ban on children using social media and instead focuses on parental control and platform design.

Under the proposal, children 15 and under would need parental approval to have social media accounts. Platforms would also be required to remove features lawmakers say encourage excessive use, including infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, and live streaming.

Supporters say the goal is to give parents more oversight while reducing addictive elements for young users.

Both the alert amendment and the social media changes have the support of Buzbee’s parents. A vote on the social media measure is expected later this week.

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