Enacts the Kelsey Smith Act to require wireless service providers to provide call location information to law enforcement during an emergency

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Sanders

The Kelsey Smith Act requires wireless providers to quickly share caller location data with law enforcement during emergencies, enhancing public safety and response times.

REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4823, known as the Kelsey Smith Act, aims to enhance public safety by requiring wireless service providers to promptly provide call location information to law enforcement agencies during emergencies. The intent of the bill is to facilitate quicker responses in critical situations, such as abductions or other urgent incidents where locating individuals is vital.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Disclosure: The bill mandates that wireless service providers must provide law enforcement with the location information of a caller when there is a reasonable belief that the caller is in danger or that a crime is occurring.

Emergency Situations: The requirement to disclose location information is specifically tied to emergencies, ensuring that law enforcement can act swiftly to protect individuals in peril.

Compliance Timeline: While the bill does not specify a detailed compliance timeline, it emphasizes the urgency of the situation, suggesting that information should be provided as quickly as possible.

Who Would Be Affected

Wireless Service Providers: Companies that offer wireless communication services will be required to implement systems and protocols to comply with the law.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Police and other emergency responders will gain access to critical location data, potentially improving their ability to respond to emergencies effectively.

General Public: Individuals who may find themselves in emergency situations will benefit from the enhanced capability of law enforcement to locate and assist them quickly.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025.

Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill follows previous related bills, including S 6454 and S 4195, which may have addressed similar issues in prior sessions.

Conclusion

The Kelsey Smith Act (S 4823) represents a legislative effort to improve emergency response capabilities by ensuring that law enforcement can access crucial location information from wireless service providers during critical situations. By streamlining the process for obtaining this information, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and potentially save lives.

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