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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
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HOUSE PASSES BILL TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT FIND MISSING PERSONS
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House on Wednesday passed the Kelsey Smith Act, a bill that will require cell phone companies to turn over records to law enforcement when there is a missing person who is in danger of death or physical harm.
“I’m pleased my colleagues in the House agreed on this common sense bill," said state Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul). “The tragic death of Kelsey Smith will not go unnoticed. Legislators today voted to help law enforcement do their jobs and keep Minnesota families safe.”
Kelsey Smith of Kansas was 18 years old when she was abducted and murdered in 2007. For four days her family and law enforcement could not find her. When they asked for the “ping” records that would pinpoint her location via cell phone, the family’s cell phone company did not hand those records over. Finally, four days later, the company turned over the records and within 45 minutes, authorities located Kelsey’s body.
The bill that passed Wednesday will change state law to require that cell phone companies turn over the records. Currently, those companies only have the option to do so. The cell phone companies support this measure because it will prevent cell phone companies from being sued over giving out the records.
Last month, Kelsey Smith’s parents, Greg and Missey, testified before the House and Senate in support of this bill, which has also passed in Kansas and has been introduced in other states.
“Hearing the Smiths testify was difficult, knowing what they’ve gone through,” Johnson said. “Families should never lose a loved one when police officers are one step away from information that will prevent a horrible crime.”
The bill passed in the House on a vote of 133-0. Its companion bill, S.F. 2470, is awaiting a vote in the Senate before it can be sent to the Governor’s desk. The Senate bill was authored by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DLF-Duluth).
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