HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday signed into law a bill that centers on the use of technology to help locate missing people.

Since 2005, the FCC has required cell phone manufacturers to include GPS receivers in all devices. This has allowed first-responders to pinpoint the location of 911 callers in an emergency.

Act 181 of 2014, known as the Kelsey Smith Act, requires wireless providers to “ping” the cell phone of a missing person at the request of law enforcement officials when there is sufficient information to believe there is a risk or threat of death or serious physical harm to that person.

The measure is named after an 18-year old Kansas woman who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in 2007. The tragedy resulted in a movement by her parents to ensure that law enforcement authorities can receive assistance from cell phone providers to help find missing persons.

In addition to Kansas, 13 states have passed similar legislation.

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Randy Vulakovich R-40th.