Kelsey Smith Act

This bill would require phone and internet-based phone providers to share a device’s location with police or 911 center staff during an emergency. They must provide the location without delay if there was a 911 call from the device in the last 48 hours, or if there is reasonable suspicion the device is with someone facing a risk of death or serious physical harm. The goal is to help first responders find people faster in life‑threatening situations .

Police agencies must keep a record of each request, including who asked, why it was needed, and a statement that the situation meets the emergency conditions. Providers are protected from lawsuits for giving this information when they follow the rules. The bill does not override state laws that already require sharing location in these emergency circumstances. It applies to cell services and internet-based voice services.

• Who is affected: Cell phone and internet voice providers, police and 911 centers, and people in emergencies.
• What changes: Providers must quickly share device location in specific emergency situations; agencies must log requests; providers are shielded from lawsuits for complying; state emergency-sharing laws still apply.