Congressman Jake LaTurner introduced the “Kelsey Smith Act” in the U. S. House of Representatives last week. This Legislation, which has already passed in 30 states, would require wireless communication providers to provide cell phone data to law enforcement officials when responding to a call for emergency service or in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm. Senator Jerry Moran is the lead sponsor of a Companion Bill in the U. S. Senate.
On June 2, 2007, Kelsey Smith was abducted in broad daylight from an Overland Park Department store and murdered. The abduction was captured on the store’s security camera, leaving little doubt of the emergency nature of the circumstances. Four days after she disappeared, authorities were able to locate Kelsey’s body, after her wireless provider released call information from her cell phone. With this Legislation, cell phone providers must give this information to law enforcement as fast as possible to ensure law enforcement officials can rescue victims in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
