New bill proposed in both House & Sen.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A state Senator and a state Representative are teaming up to try to pass a bill that would require telecommunications companies to cooperate with law enforcement in the events of kidnappings or abductions.

The legislation has been coined the Kelsey Smith Law - or, Kelsey's Law - and it was originally signed into law in 2009 in Kansas. The legislation, which is being spearheaded in Rhode Island by state Senator James Doyle II (D - Dist. 8, Pawtucket) and state Representative Raymond Johnson, Jr. (D - Dist. 61, Pawtucket), would force cell phone companies to disclose the location of their products if one of their customers was reported kidnapped and/or missing.

"When the lives of our children are at stake, we must ensure law enforcement has all the tools available at their disposal," said Sen. Doyle. "This bill will correct a serious flaw in the system, and hopefully save lives."

Rep. Johnston, a Pawtucket police officer, has had personal experience in fast-paced kidnapping cases. He said it was unacceptable that phone companies could wait several days before responding when every moment counts when a child has been abducted.

Currently, telecom providers "may" release their customers' information in these cases, but they are not required to by law. Many companies have been cautious to cooperate due to liability concerns.

The Kelsey Smith Act was created in 2007 after 18-year-old Kelsey Smith was abducted and murdered. Her body was ultimately found four days later using a locator on her cellular phone.