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Committee advances bill to speed law enforcement access to device location data in emergencies
Summary
The committee recommended favorably House Bill 366, which streamlines law enforcement access to mobile device location data in cases where officers determine a person is in immediate danger and a warrant is sought. Telecom industry witnesses signaled support; a private witness recounted a personal missing-person experience.
Representative Malloy said House Bill 366 focuses on ensuring mobile telecommunications providers respond quickly when law enforcement determines a person is in immediate danger and legal process (warrant) is in place. The sponsor said companies the bill's drafters consulted with have been supportive.
A witness, Candice Cooley, testified online that rapid device-location information is critical in missing-person cases; Malloy said the bill applies where law enforcement “determines that they're truly in danger” and that telecommunications companies have been receptive to technical and policy solutions to accelerate response times.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend favorably the second substitute of HB 366 (5–0).
Votes at the committee
- Recommend favorably HB 366 (second substitute) to the full Senate: outcome 5–0.
