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H.R.4889 / 114th Congress

Kelsey Smith Act

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 229 - 158 (Roll no. 229).

Official summary

Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · May 23, 2016

Kelsey Smith Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a mobile or Internet voice service provider to disclose, at the request of an investigative or law enforcement officer, the call location information of a device that is: (1) used to place a 911 call, or (2) reasonably believed to be in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency situation that involves a risk of death or serious physical harm.

Additionally, the bill prohibits a civil action or administrative proceeding against a mobile or Internet voice service provider who discloses call location information in good faith in accordance with this bill.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Yoder, Kevin [R-KS-3] · R–KS

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 229 - 158 (Roll no. 229).

    House roll call 229 · Individual votes
  2. Failed of passage/not agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 229 - 158 (Roll no. 229).

    House roll call 229 · Individual votes
  3. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2929)

  4. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4889.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2885-2888; text of measure as reported in House: CR H2885)

  7. Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 450.

  9. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-580.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-580.

  11. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  12. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  13. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  14. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  15. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  16. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

  17. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  18. Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

  19. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  20. Introduced in House

  21. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4889 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4889 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.4889 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.4889 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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