Searches and seizures; prohibiting certain court orders; providing exceptions; requiring notice; specifying factors for determining punitive damages. Effective date.
Impact
If enacted, SB1726 would solidify individuals' protections against invasive governmental practices involving electronic searches, thus reshaping how law enforcement and government agencies collect and use data. The bill would prevent the issuance of any orders that compel disclosure of an individual's online searches or locations, effectively barring a wide range of investigative techniques that could infringe upon personal privacy rights. This aligns with ongoing national discussions about digital privacy and the extent to which government oversight should extend in the digital age.
Summary
Senate Bill 1726 introduces significant changes to the laws governing searches and seizures by explicitly prohibiting certain types of court orders and requests that involve reverse-keyword and reverse-location searches. The bill aims to protect individuals’ privacy rights by disallowing government entities from obtaining information about individuals based on their online activity or location tracking unless specified circumstances are met. It emphasizes the importance of notification and provides a framework for victims of violations, allowing them to take legal action against government entities responsible for obtaining information unlawfully.
Contention
The bill has the potential to spark debate among lawmakers. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to safeguard citizen rights in an era of increasing digital surveillance. However, opponents may voice concerns regarding the implications for law enforcement capabilities, particularly in terms of their ability to investigate cybercrime and other offenses effectively. The balance between individual privacy rights and public safety is likely to be a central theme in the discussions surrounding this legislation.
Ad valorem tax; requiring request and submission to county treasurer of the listing of assets by delinquent taxpayer after notice; requiring confidentiality; providing exception in Open Records Act. Effective date.
Damages; specifying categories of growing crops or plants eligible for damage award for certain violations; establishing requirements for calculation of certain actual damages. Emergency.
Crime and punishment; providing for certain prohibition on release of public scene specific information; defining terms; stating exception; requiring certain notification; providing penalty. Effective date.
Motor vehicles; requiring the collection of certain fee for certain towed vehicles; providing for the collection and remittance of certain fee; effective date.