Oklahoma lawmakers advanced a bill last week that would help locate kidnapped victims faster.
Senate Bill 272, which passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, would require cell phone companies to provide phone location information in emergency situations, including abductions.
The author of the bill, Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), said the information on the phone will not be released, only the location.
The bill known as the “Kelsey Smith Act” is named after an 18-year-old Kansas woman who was abducted and discovered dead four days later in 2007.
"In Kelsey’s case, law enforcement wasn’t able to get the cell phone records they needed to find her until it was too late," Weaver said. "Here in Oklahoma, I think cell providers have worked well with law enforcement, but this legislation will help us ensure a consistent approach and provide liability protection for companies acting in good faith when moments count."
The measure now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
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