Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would require telecommunications and digital communications providers to respond more quickly when served with search warrants in certain domestic violence or stalking investigations. The proposal, known as Kristil’s Law, is outlined in House Bill 4045, which legislative records show includes a provision directing providers to comply within five days of receiving a qualifying warrant.

According to reporting by KGW, supporters of the bill argue that delayed access to digital location data or communication records can leave victims without timely protection during escalating threats. The measure is named in honor of Kristil, an Oregon woman killed by an ex‑partner; advocates say that earlier access to data in her case could have allowed law enforcement to intervene.

Legislative documents for HB 4045 indicate that the five‑day response requirement would apply specifically to cases involving stalking, restraining order violations, or domestic violence investigations, where timely information can inform immediate safety assessments. The proposal would not change the process for securing a warrant; it would only affect the timeframe in which providers are required to respond.

For communities along the I‑5 corridor in Southwest Washington, including Longview and Kelso, the proposal is notable because domestic violence cases routinely cross state lines. Law enforcement agencies in Washington often coordinate with Oregon providers and investigators when incidents involve residents who commute, co‑parent, or maintain relationships across the Columbia River. A shortened response window in Oregon could affect how quickly Washington agencies receive critical information in these joint cases.

At the time of publication, Kristil’s Law remained under consideration in the Oregon Legislature, with supporters emphasizing the potential public‑safety impact. In legislative testimony, they stated that digital evidence delays can impede investigations at moments when victims face the highest risk.

Why this matters

Domestic violence and stalking cases frequently involve rapid escalation. For Cowlitz County residents who interact across state borders for work, family, or daily life, Oregon’s adoption of a stricter deadline for warrant compliance could influence how quickly local law enforcement can act when threats originate or unfold in Oregon. Timely access to digital evidence has become a central factor in modern safety planning, and legislative decisions in Salem increasingly shape regional outcomes for Southwest Washington families.

Sources

KGW: Oregon lawmakers consider Kristil’s Law, bill requiring faster response to certain search warrants

Oregon Legislature: HB 4045 (official bill text and history)