California smartphone ‘kill switch’ bill advances

Published May 8, 2014 9:39pm ET



SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — On a second attempt, California lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday 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 requires companies to produce smartphones with technology that makes them inoperable if the owner loses possession.

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