Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a bill making it easier for police to get tracking information from cell phone companies in emergencies.

The bill signed Friday requires cell phone companies to release caller location information promptly to police when asked. Cell phone signals, known as pings, can be used to track a phone’s location.

The new law, which takes effect July 1, was inspired by the 2007 kidnapping and slaying of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith, of Overland Park.

Her parents, Greg and Missey Smith, have pointed to a delay in getting their daughter’s cell phone provider to cooperate with police. However, the couple doesn’t believe that quicker release of the information would have saved their daughter’s life.