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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 12, 2015 03:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Request for Co-Sponsorship: Smartphone Theft Prevention |
| In the future I plan on introducing the Smartphone Theft Prevention Act that would require smartphones being sold in the Commonwealth to be equipped with a “kill-switch”. Far too often smartphones are the target of theft. My proposal provides a tool to combat this crime epidemic, rendering stolen smartphones useless. In 2013, the theft of smartphones accounted for 12.8 percent of total thefts in Philadelphia. Innocent people have been victims of violent crimes – whether it be assault or even death – related to the theft of smartphones. Organized crime organizations have also began to operate in the international stolen smartphone market; generating millions of dollars that support illicit activities. “Kill-switch” technology allows an individual to remotely wipe personal information from, and render their smartphone inoperable if the device is to be stolen. In 2012, after California passed legislation requiring smartphones to be equipped with a “kill-switch”, smartphone thefts decreased by 40 percent. Furthermore, in New York City, after the adoption of “kill-switch” legislation, smartphone thefts dropped by 16 percent. I believe my legislation will effectively address this problem and help keep the citizens of this Commonwealth safe. I ask for your support. |
Introduced as HB1932
Memo Updated: November 12, 2015 03:26 PM