Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1664

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Wireless telecommunications carriers; removing certain notice requirement. Effective date.

Impact

The impact of SB1664 on state laws includes a significant shift in how call location information is handled by telecommunications carriers in Oklahoma. By removing the notification requirement, the bill allows for a more immediate response by law enforcement during emergencies, which proponents argue is essential for effective emergency response. However, this approach raises questions about privacy and user rights, especially concerning the potential for misuse of data shared without user consent.

Summary

Senate Bill 1664, also known as the Kelsey Smith Act, amends existing laws regarding the provision of call location information by wireless telecommunications carriers to law enforcement agencies. The bill specifically eliminates the requirement for carriers to notify users within thirty days when their call location data is shared with law enforcement during emergencies. This change aims to expedite law enforcement's access to critical information that could save lives in urgent situations, particularly when there is a risk of death or serious physical harm.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1664 include debates about privacy rights versus public safety. Supporters of the bill argue that any delay in obtaining call location data could lead to tragic outcomes and that law enforcement must prioritize emergency response over user notification. Conversely, critics contend that this amendment to current law could undermine trust in telecommunications providers and diminish individuals' awareness of how their data is being used, potentially leading to overreach in data collection practices by authorities.