Sen. Weaver’s ‘Kelsey Smith Act’ clears committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Judiciary Committee has given unanimous approval to a bill to help law enforcement locate kidnap victims faster.  Sen. Darrell Weaver is the author of Senate Bill 272, the “Kelsey Smith Act,” which would require cell phone companies to provide phone location information to law enforcement in emergency situations, such as an abduction. 

Weaver, R-Moore, said the bill is named for an 18-year-old from Kansas who was abducted from a store parking lot in 2007.  She was found murdered four days later.  Since their daughter’s death, Kelsey’s parents have been working to pass legislation throughout the country.  So far, some 26 states have enacted measures addressing emergency access to information to locate the cell phone of an abducted person.  Smith’s mother reached out to Weaver about passing similar legislation in Oklahoma.

“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 legislation would only apply to emergency situations involving risk of death or serious physical harm.