Iowa House Bill HF2182

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the unauthorized placement of a global positioning device and providing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HF2182 would substantially influence state laws regarding privacy and unlawful surveillance. The bill explicitly establishes new legal standards for consent when it comes to tracking devices, bridging gaps in current legislation that may not adequately address modern technological advancements in tracking. Violators of this law would face serious misdemeanor charges, with penalties that include confinement for up to one year and substantial fines, thus reinforcing the legal implications of unauthorized surveillance practices.

Summary

House File 2182 (HF2182) is legislation aimed at regulating the unauthorized placement of global positioning devices (GPS) on motor vehicles that are owned or leased by individuals other than the person placing the device. Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals from placing GPS devices without the express consent of the vehicle owner. Additionally, it also prohibits the intentional acquisition of location data from any GPS device that was unlawfully placed. The primary intent of this bill is to enhance privacy protections for individuals and prevent unauthorized tracking.

Contention

The introduction of HF2182 raises potential points of contention, particularly regarding its application and enforcement. Critics may argue that the exemptions outlined—such as those allowing parents to track their minor children, employers to monitor their vehicles, or law enforcement activities—might introduce ambiguity. There is a concern that these exemptions could undermine the overall intent of the bill, leading to challenges in interpreting what constitutes unlawful tracking and how consent is determined. Stakeholders will likely engage in discussions on how to balance privacy rights with practical needs for monitoring through GPS technology.