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Jefferson City, MO —
Police would have an easier time tracking cellphone signals in emergencies under legislation on its way to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeanie Lauer, a Blue Springs Republican, requires phone companies to help law enforcement track the cellphone signal of a 911 caller or ping the phone’s location when there is danger of death or serious physical injury. The House passed the measure in March. The Senate gave it final approval Wednesday.
The bill was prompted by the 2007 killing of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith, who was abducted in Overland Park, Kan. Her body was found four days later in Missouri.
Lauer has said Smith might have been found faster if authorities had been better able to track her cellphone.
Police would have an easier time tracking cellphone signals in emergencies under legislation on its way to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeanie Lauer, a Blue Springs Republican, requires phone companies to help law enforcement track the cellphone signal of a 911 caller or ping the phone’s location when there is danger of death or serious physical injury. The House passed the measure in March. The Senate gave it final approval Wednesday.
The bill was prompted by the 2007 killing of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith, who was abducted in Overland Park, Kan. Her body was found four days later in Missouri.
Lauer has said Smith might have been found faster if authorities had been better able to track her cellphone.
