WASHINGTON – On June 2, 2007, 18-year-old Kelsey Smith was abducted in broad daylight from a local department store and murdered.  Four days after she disappeared, authorities were able to locate Kelsey’s body because her wireless provider released the “ping” or “call location” information from her cell phone.  Currently, federal law does not require telecom providers to release “call location” information but states they “may” release this information.  Providers, however, are cautious to give this information to authorities due to liability concerns.

The bill Congresswoman Jenkins introduced today will require wireless communication providers to provide call location information to the requesting law enforcement agencies only in order to respond to a call for emergency services or in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins released the following statement after introducing the Kelsey Smith Act into the 112^thCongress:

“When the lives of our children are at stake, we must ensure law enforcement has all the tools available at their disposal.  Companies withholding critical location information from the authorities for fear of legal liability is simply not acceptable.  This bill will correct a serious flaw in the system, and hopefully save lives.  I was honored to work alongside Kelsey’s parents in crafting and introducing this legislation, and I sincerely hope that Congress will act quickly to pass this commonsense bill.  We simply cannot allow another precious, innocent life to be lost due to this tragic oversight.”

Kelsey Smith’s mother and father, Missey and Rep. Greg Smith made the following statement in response to the bill’s introduction:

"We are pleased that Rep. Jenkins saw the need for Kelsey's Law and chose to carry it forward. It has saved lives in Kansas.  All 50 states should be covered by it."

###