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Tiahrt Introduces the Kelsey Smith Act to Help Abducted Victims Return Home Safely

09/23/09
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (pronounced TEE-hart), R-Kan., this week is introducing the Kelsey Smith Act in the U.S. House of Representatives that will facilitate more responsive coordination between law enforcement agencies and wireless cell phone carriers during emergencies involving missing persons. The bill requires wireless phone companies to swiftly respond to law enforcement requests for location information of victims who are in jeopardy of death or serious physical harm.
 
“In the event that a family member is abducted, law enforcement officials should have all available resources at their fingertips to quickly locate the victim whose life is at risk,” said Tiahrt. “Having quick access to the location of a victim using cell tower technology saves lives and increases the chance for a safe return home for victims. We already have instances where wireless carriers and law enforcement work hand-in-hand to respond to emergencies. This legislation will help ensure there are no gaps in communication and responsiveness when it comes to averting tragic outcomes.”
 
The bill is named after 18-year-old Kelsey Smith from Johnson County, Kan., who was tragically abducted and murdered in 2007. For four days, her cell phone provider refused to release Smith’s cell phone location information to law enforcement officials. When the company finally released the information, her body was found within 45 minutes using the cell tower information from her phone.
 
Kansas State Representative Rob Olson (R-Olathe) along with Smith’s parents, Greg and Missy Smith, were successful passing the Kelsey Smith Act in the state of Kansas and are working to get similar legislation passed in all 50 states. Tiahrt’s bill would apply to all states and on a federal level to help with law enforcement coordination across state lines.
 
Missy Smith said, “Nearly everyone we spoke with at the federal level told us this was a state issue. No one seemed to understand how effective this law would be nationally in bringing home missing people safely – except for Congressman Tiahrt. We are thankful he realized the importance of making it a federal law and giving federal investigators access to the same investigation tool.
 
Olson said, “This legislation will save lives by giving investigators another tool to find missing loved ones and bring them home safely. It has been my goal since first introducing the Act in the Kansas Legislature last session to get it passed at the federal level so all states could benefit from the assistance this legislation provides. I am grateful to Congressman Tiahrt for taking the lead and bringing the bill to his fellow legislators.”
 
Greg Smith said, “As we have said many times before, it is an honor to have such an important piece of legislation that will save lives with Kelsey’s name on it. We continue to be amazed about the impact she has had on people here in Kansas and across the country.”
 
Tiahrt said, “Thanks to the tremendous efforts by State Representative Olson and Greg and Missy Smith on the state level, we have made progress in preventing the loss of victims’ lives. I applaud the Smith’s and Representative Olson for carrying the banner on this issue. It is an honor to stand with them and sponsor this legislation in memory of Kelsey Smith in the United States House of Representatives.”
 
The Smiths said they look forward to working with Tiahrt in getting the Kelsey Smith Act passed through Congress. The legislation passed unanimously in the Kansas Legislature and was signed into law in Kansas earlier this year.