California smartphone 'kill switch' bill advances
On a second attempt, California lawmakers have advanced a bill that would require electronics manufacturers to install a shut-off function in all smartphones as a way to deter what one senator called a crime wave of thefts.
The legislation by Democratic Sen. Mark Leno of San Francisco passed the Senate 26-8 Thursday.
It requires companies to produce smartphones with technology that makes them inoperable if the owner loses possession. SB962 now goes to the Assembly.
It stalled two weeks ago, but Leno says amendments since then removed opposition from Apple and Microsoft. The wireless industry remains opposed.
SB962 now applies to smartphones manufactured and sold after July 2015 and no longer includes tablets.
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