Kelsey Smith Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (25 Feb 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The Kelsey Smith Act would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require wireless carriers and providers of IP-enabled voice services to disclose the location of a caller's phone, without delay, when law enforcement officers or public safety answering point (911 dispatch) personnel request it during a genuine emergency. This applies when a device was used to make a 911 call in the preceding 48 hours, or when officials have reasonable suspicion that the device's user faces a risk of death or serious physical harm. Agencies making such requests must keep records identifying the requesting officer and explaining the basis for the request. The bill also shields providers from lawsuits or administrative actions for complying in good faith, preserves stricter state laws requiring similar disclosures, and makes a conforming change to related federal wiretap-law provisions.
The bill primarily affects wireless and IP-voice service providers, who would face a new legal obligation to share location data in defined emergency circumstances, and law enforcement/emergency dispatch personnel, who would gain a clearer legal basis to request such information quickly. It is intended to speed emergency response in life-threatening situations while establishing accountability through required recordkeeping.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2021, by Senator Jerry Moran with two cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Kelsey Smith Act
This bill requires a mobile or internet voice service provider to disclose the location information of a device pursuant to certain requests.
Specifically, a provider must disclose this information at the request of an investigative or law enforcement officer (or public safety employee or agent on behalf of such officer) if the officer asserts (1) that the device was used to place a 911 call, or (2) reasonable suspicion that the device is in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency situation. A provider that discloses a device location in response to such a request may not be held liable in legal or administrative proceedings related to the disclosure.
Timeline
25 Feb 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 466 do?
- The Kelsey Smith Act would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require wireless carriers and providers of IP-enabled voice services to disclose the location of a caller's phone, without delay, when law enforcement officers or public safety answering point (911 dispatch) personnel request it during a genuine emergency. This applies when a device was used to make a 911 call in the preceding 48 hours, or when officials have reasonable suspicion that the device's user faces a risk of death or serious physical harm. Agencies making such requests must keep records identifying the requesting officer and explaining the basis for the request. The bill also shields providers from lawsuits or administrative actions for complying in good faith, preserves stricter state laws requiring similar disclosures, and makes a conforming change to related federal wiretap-law provisions. The bill primarily affects wireless and IP-voice service providers, who would face a new legal obligation to share location data in defined emergency circumstances, and law enforcement/emergency dispatch personnel, who would gain a clearer legal basis to request such information quickly. It is intended to speed emergency response in life-threatening situations while establishing accountability through required recordkeeping. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2021, by Senator Jerry Moran with two cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
- Has S. 466 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 466. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 466?
- S. 466 was sponsored by Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS] (R-KS), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 466?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (25 Feb 2021).
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