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Kelsey Smith Act: Faster Phone Location in Emergencies

This act allows emergency services and law enforcement to quickly obtain phone location data in situations involving risk of death or serious physical harm. Its purpose is to speed up emergency response, such as in missing person cases or 911 calls, where every minute counts. Telecommunication service providers are required to immediately provide this information upon request.
Key points
Emergency services (police, 911) can immediately obtain phone location if there is a risk of death or serious physical harm.
Location can be shared if the phone was used to place a 911 call within the last 48 hours or if there is reasonable suspicion of an emergency.
Telecommunication service providers are protected from lawsuits for providing this data in emergencies.
Agencies requesting data must maintain a record of such requests, including the officer's name and the justification for needing location disclosure.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5655
Sponsor: Rep. LaTurner, Jake [R-KS-2]
Process start date: 2021-10-21
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Kelsey Smith Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5655.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-10-21.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Emergency services (police, 911) can immediately obtain phone location if there is a risk of death or serious physical harm.
  • Location can be shared if the phone was used to place a 911 call within the last 48 hours or if there is reasonable suspicion of an emergency.
  • Telecommunication service providers are protected from lawsuits for providing this data in emergencies.
  • Agencies requesting data must maintain a record of such requests, including the officer's name and the justification for needing location disclosure.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. LaTurner, Jake [R-KS-2].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Security Courts and Law