Kelsey Smith Act

This bill, known as the Kelsey Smith Act, would require telecommunications service providers to share location data with law enforcement or public safety answering points during emergency situations. It directly affects phone and internet service providers, law enforcement officers, and individuals whose location information might be disclosed. The key provision allows officers to request location data without delay if the device was used to contact emergency services in the past 48 hours or if there is reasonable suspicion of an emergency involving risk of death or serious physical harm. The bill also establishes requirements for obtaining consent from subscribers or their next of kin, with a defined priority order for determining next of kin when consent is needed. Additionally, law enforcement agencies must maintain records of these requests, and the bill does not exempt providers from complying with applicable state laws regarding location information disclosure.