WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Rob Andrews today announced that the House of Representatives has adopted a provision which he authored as part of the Higher Education Act technical corrections bill that will require universities to notify the parents of students who are 21 and younger upon confirming that the student is missing from campus.  This provision is based on Bryan's Law, legislation offered by Andrews in memory of Bryan Nisenfeld, a college student from Audubon, N.J. who after attending college in Rhode Island who was missing for over six days before University officials notified his family and local authorities.

"I cannot imagine the pain and anguish that Bryan's parent's live with every day feeling as though their was something they could have done if only they were made aware earlier that their son was missing. The Nisenfelds were never given that chance," said Andrews.  "The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that as soon as a university confirms that a student is missing that they immediately notify that students' parents or guardian and cooperate with local authorities to coordinate a search."

In February of 1997, Bryan Nisenfeld disappeared from Roger Williams College in Rhode Island where he had been residing and attending classes.  Bryan was missing for six days prior to the college notifying his parents and local authorities but by that time it was too late as his body was found not far from the school. 

"The family and friends of Bryan Nisenfeld wish to express their extreme gratitude to all the advocates, aids, congressman and staffers who worked diligently on Bryan's Law," said Steven Nisenfeld. "We firmly believe this bill is very important.  Its passage will provide increased protection for missing students who might otherwise be overlooked by the university's staff, faculty or security force."

In March of 1999, Steven Nisenfeld met with Congressman Andrews to share this account and work to develop legislation to mandate that colleges notify parents with in 24 hours of learning that a student is missing.  Andrews has attempted several strategies to get the bill enacted during the last year but finally found an opportunity for the proposal when the Education and Workforce committee, which he is a member, drafted legislation to make technical corrections to the 1998 Higher Education Act which addresses several issues concerning colleges, universities and their students.   

The bill must now go before the Senate for passage before going on to the President to be signed into law.  Andrews has pledged to work with the Senate to ensure final passage Bryan's Law.