Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Kelsey Smith Act

Published (6/1/2010)
By Nick Busse
Share on: 



The death of a Kansas teenager three years ago is the impetus behind a new law that will let law enforcement agencies track down missing persons by using their cell phone data.

Sponsored by Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), the law is named after Kelsey Smith, who was abducted and murdered in Kansas in 2007. Her body was found after her parents compelled her cell phone company to track down her phone’s location. Federal law allows — but does not require — that the companies provide that information.

The Kelsey Smith Act will require cell phone service providers to disclose their customers’ call location information in emergency situations. Using cell site towers, a cell phone company can triangulate the location of a cell phone or other wireless device to within close proximity. The law, effective Aug. 1, 2010, will require cell phone companies to reveal call location data in cases where an individual is missing and at risk of “death or serious physical harm.”

The new statute will mandate that the companies provide the data, under certain conditions. The law enforcement agency seeking the data must submit a written request, and service providers must establish protocols that allow them to respond to such requests.

HF2639*/ SF2470/CH342

Session Weekly More...


Session Weekly Home



Related Stories


Turn your key and breathe
House approves ignition interlock bill that would let DWI offenders drive sooner
(view full story) Published 4/29/2010

Minnesota Index: Crime and punishment
Figures and statistics on crime in Minnesota.
(view full story) Published 3/18/2010

Red River Basin: ‘Here we go again’
Flood-prone communities look to keep their heads above water
(view full story) Published 3/4/2010

At Issue: Courts and corrections backing
Public safety finance bill awaits gubernatorial action
(view full story) Published 5/15/2009

At Issue: Corrections, courts funding concerns
Omnibus public safety finance bill gets mixed reaction from House
(view full story) Published 5/1/2009

At Issue: Sex offenders, courts and corrections
Omnibus public safety policy bill headed to conference committee
(view full story) Published 4/24/2009

At Issue: Helping to find missing adults
House vote expected soon on ‘Brandon’s Law’
(view full story) Published 4/17/2009

Minnesota Index: Keeping Minnesotans safe
Figures and statistics on the state patrol and fire marshals in Minnesota
(view full story) Published 3/20/2009

Minnesota Index: See you in court
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's court system
(view full story) Published 2/27/2009

Minnesota Index: 'The Graybar Hotel'
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's prison population
(view full story) Published 1/16/2009