PRIA Logo™
119-hr-3825119th Congress

Kelsey Smith Act

Sponsored By: Representative Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would require providers to disclose device location to law enforcement and public safety answering points in specified emergencies, creating an expedited, mandatory disclosure regime. It focuses on two situations where location can be shared without delay: a device that placed a 9-1-1 call within the prior 48 hours, and when there is reasonable suspicion the device is with someone involved in a life‑threatening emergency.

Show full summary
  • Families and people in emergencies would likely get faster location-based help because providers must disclose available location information for 9-1-1 calls made within 48 hours or when officers reasonably suspect a device is tied to a risk of death or serious harm.
  • Commercial mobile and IP‑enabled voice providers would be required to provide available location information on request, keep a contemporaneous record of each request listing the requester, a description of the need, and a declaration, and would receive a hold‑harmless protection from lawsuits for complying.
  • Law enforcement and 9-1-1 call centers would gain a mandatory channel for location data when acting in their official duties and asserting the emergency purpose, while the bill preserves applicability of state laws in these emergency circumstances and adds a federal cross-reference to align statutes.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Quick phone location for 911 emergencies

If enacted, phone and internet voice providers would have to share a device’s location without delay in emergencies. Police or 911 center staff, acting in their official duties, could request it. They would need to say the phone made a 9-1-1 call in the last 48 hours, or there is reasonable suspicion someone faces death or serious harm. Agencies would have to keep a record of each request, who made it, and why. Providers would be shielded from some lawsuits when they follow these rules, and courts would be pointed to this legal shield. Providers would still need to follow any state emergency location laws that apply.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2]

KS • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]

    KS • D

    Sponsored 6/6/2025

  • Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 6/6/2025

  • Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 6/6/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation