Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has introduced the Smartphone Theft Prevention Act (S. 2032), legislation that would require a “kill switch” on smartphones to help protect consumers and deter thieves. According to the Federal Communications Commission, roughly 40% of all robberies in major U.S. cities now involve cell phones. Stakeholders such as the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Consumers Union have expressed support for S. 2032. Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) have cosponsored the bill, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation for consideration. Representative Jose Serrano (D-NY) has introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4065).
