Smartphone “Kill Switch” Bill Passes California Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature

A California bill that would require cellphone makers to install a “kill switch” to render stolen devices inoperable has passed the state legislature, and now moves to the governor’s office for consideration.

The bill won Senate approval by a vote of 27-8. If Gov Jerry Brown (D-CA) signs the bill, it would be among the first such laws in the nation.