Bill Requiring Mandatory 'Kill-Switch' In Smartphones Passes California Senate
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) — A bill by state Sen. Mark Leno, that would require all smartphone manufacturers sold in California to come equipped with anti-theft "kill switches," passed its first legislative hurdle on Thursday in the state Senate with a 26-8 vote.
The bill, SB 962, failed to pass by just two votes on the Senate floor two weeks ago but Microsoft and Apple dropped their opposition to the bill, which may have influenced the passage of the bill Thursday.
The legislation applies only to smartphones manufactured after July 1, 2015. Other devices, such as tablets, are not covered.
Before the vote, Leno told KCBS that he saw the bill as good first step and no other state has done this," he said.
"The real solution will be for Congress to enact across the country legislation."
The bill will next go before the State Assembly.