To the Governor: Montana Passes Bill to Ban Warrantless Collection of Electronic Data

HELENA, Mont. (April 3, 2017) – On Saturday, the Montana House gave final approval to a bill that would ban warrantless collection of data from an electronic device in most situations. If signed by Gov. Steve Bullock, the legislation would not only increase privacy protections in the state, it would also hinder one practical aspect…

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New York Bill Would Allow People to Opt Out of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 27, 2017) – A bill introduced in the New York Assembly would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of this bill would allow New Yorkers to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in…

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Michigan Committee Passes Ballot Measure to Help Protect Electronic Data from Warrantless Spying

LANSING, Mich. (March 22, 2017) – Yesterday, a Michigan House committee passed a resolution that would put before voters a state constitutional amendment to protect electronic communications and data from the prying eyes of state and local law enforcement. The amendment would also effectively block a small but intrusive practical effect of federal spying within…

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To the Governor: New Mexico Passes Electronic Communications Privacy Act

SANTA FE, N.M. (March 20, 2017) – Last week, the New Mexico House gave final approval for a bill known as the Electronic Communication Privacy Act. If signed by the governor, the bill would not only protect privacy in New Mexico, but would also hinder at least two aspects of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Peter…

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Arizona Committee Passes Bill to Prohibit Warrantless Stingray Spying

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 16, 2017) – Yesterday, an Arizona House Committee unanimously passed a bill that would ban the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications without a warrant in most situations. The proposed law would not only protect privacy in Arizona, but would also hinder one aspect of…

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To the Governor: Montana Passes Bill Taking on Warrantless Electronic Data Collection

00HELENA, Mont. (March 16, 2017) – Today, the Montana House gave final approval to a bill that would require police to get a warrant in order to obtain electronic communication information from service providers in most cases. Passage of the legislation would not only increase privacy protections in the state, it would also hinder one…

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Texas Bill Would Allow People to Opt Out of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program

AUSTIN, Texas (March 15, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Texas House would allow utility customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of this bill would allow Texans to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect.…

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New Hampshire House Passes Bill Taking on Warrantless Drone Spying

CONCORD, N.H. (March 8, 2017) – A New Hampshire bill that would restrict warrantless and weaponized use of drones by law enforcement passed the House today. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Neil Kurk, Rep. Robert Cushing and…

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Hawaii House Unanimously Passes Bill to Limit Warrantless Drone Surveillance

HONOLULU, Hawaii (March 8, 2017) – Yesterday, the Hawaii House unanimously passed a bill that would limit the warrantless use of surveillance drones. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Joseph Souki introduced House Bill 314 (HB314) on Jan.…

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New York City Ordinance Would Take First Step Toward Limiting Surveillance State

NEW YORK, N.Y. (March 8, 2017) – The New York City Council will consider an ordinance that would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy rights and feed into a broader national surveillance state. Council member Dan Garodnick introduced the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act…

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