H 1715
An Act relative to locating missing persons via mobile data (Kelsey's Bill)
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, known as Kelsey’s Bill, would require mobile phone providers in Massachusetts to share the location data of missing persons with law enforcement officials. The goal is to improve the speed and effectiveness of locating individuals who have gone missing, particularly in urgent situations. It aims to leverage existing mobile technology to aid in search and rescue efforts.
Key provisions
- Mobile phone providers must disclose location data to law enforcement.
- The disclosure applies to individuals officially reported as missing.
- Law enforcement officials must have a warrant or probable cause to access the data.
- The bill establishes a process for requesting and receiving location data.
- It allows for the use of location data in conjunction with other investigative methods.
- It outlines procedures for ensuring data security and privacy.
- The bill includes a provision for training law enforcement on utilizing this data.
Who is affected
- Missing persons and their families
- Law enforcement agencies
- Mobile phone providers in Massachusetts
- Individuals who have been reported missing
- The general public (through improved search and rescue efforts)
Notable changes
- Requires mobile phone providers to actively share location data.
- Builds upon previous attempts to address missing persons cases (H.1580, H.1519, S.1184).
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Colleen M. Garry
Cosponsor
Colleen M. Garry
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1715 194th (Current)
An Act relative to locating missing persons via mobile data (Kelsey's Bill)
By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1715) of Colleen M. Garry relative to requiring mobile phone providers to disclose to law enforcement officials the location of missing persons. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Colleen M. Garry
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill H.1715
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/15/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 7/15/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
Similar Bills
H.1580 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act relative to locating missing persons via mobile data (Kelsey's Bill)
H.1519 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act relative to locating missing persons via mobile data (Kelsey's Bill)
H.2732 194th (Current)
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H.2657 194th (Current)
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S.1184 187th (2011 - 2012)
An Act relative to missing persons.
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