New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon announced on Friday the passage of a new bill to establish a Blue Alert system, which will help spread suspect information when a law enforcement officer is hurt or killed.

A similar bill has also passed the New York State Senate, and the matter will be forwarded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul to be signed into law.

A Blue Alert will allow law enforcement agencies to access multiple avenues to inform the public and other agencies with suspect information should a police officer be seriously injured or killed. This may include road signs from the Department of Transportation and local media outlets.

“The courageous individuals who serve in law enforcement are the first on the scene when tragedy strikes and put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” said Buttenschon, D-119, Marcy.

“When officers are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, it’s critical that we have a system in place to swiftly identify the perpetrator and ensure justice is served. This legislation will do just that and implement a system that operates similarly to the Amber Alert system for missing children. I’ll always work to support law enforcement agencies and ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep us — and themselves — safe.”

Buttenschon co-sponsored the bill alongside several other members of the Assembly.

According to Buttenschon, 37 other states already have a Blue Alert system in place, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey.