Written by Koehler Staff Thursday, 02 December 2010 11:19
"People with Alzheimer’s and other conditions sometimes go missing because they lose track of their surroundings or escape their caregivers," Koehler said. "We have technology that can help police officers find these people quickly and easily, but we need to change Illinois law to allow them to use it." Koehler’s legislation (House Bill 5756) will create a narrow exemption in the state’s 911 laws to allow portable devices to automatically call 911. This will enable companies to sell GPS units to the families of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other mental illnesses or disabilities. If the person carrying the GPS device goes missing, their family can call 911 and the company that manufactures the device. The company will activate the device, allowing emergency services to easily locate the missing person. Illinois law currently prohibits all automated devices from dialing 911 to prevent fraud and false alarms, making Koehler’s legislation necessary. "This simple change will give the families of people with special needs some extra peace of mind," Koehler said. "It will also reduce the time and manpower needed to find these individuals when they go missing. Everyone benefits." House Bill 5756 has passed the Senate and now goes to the Illinois House for concurrence.
SPRINGFIELD , IL —State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has proposed legalizing the use of new technology to find people who are prone to wander, like individuals with Alzheimer’s, developmental disabilities or dementia.
Senator Koehler Menu
46th District
Years served: Appointed December 2006, Elected 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Agriculture and Conservation, Energy (Vice-Chair), Labor, Sub-Committee on Special Issues, Local Government, Chair), Sub-Committee on Amendments (Chair), Redistricting, Sub-Committee on Redistricting I, Transporation
Biography: Born and raised in South Dakota. Received Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 from Yankton College - Yankton, South Dakota. Masters of Divinity; United Theological Seminary - Dayton, Ohio. Former Staff member, National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM). Former Community organizer and program manager for Peoria Friendship House. Former Executive Director - Peoria Area Labor Management Council (PALM). Former President for Labor Management Cooperative Health Programs, Inc. Peoria County Board (1982-1988). Peoria City Council (1989-1997). He and his wife, Nora Sullivan, are the owners of the Peoria Bread Company, an artisan whole grain bakery in Peoria. They have three daughters, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.