Electronic Device Privacy Act of 2008
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2008): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The Electronic Device Privacy Act of 2008, introduced in the House of Representatives, would prohibit individuals acting under U.S. authority from searching the electronic contents of laptops and similar devices of people entering the United States, specifically when such searches are based solely on the government's power to conduct border searches. This bill would define "laptop computer or other similar device" to include any electronic device commonly used for email, messaging, or storing electronic data.
The bill affects individuals entering the United States. It would prevent border searches of electronic devices based on a sovereign's inherent power to search at the border. However, it would not prevent searches if there is separate, lawful authority for them.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 23, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Electronic Device Privacy Act of 2008 - Prohibits any person acting under U.S. authority, derived from a sovereign's power to search at its border, from searching the electronic contents of a laptop computer or other similar device of a person entering the United States. Allows searches based on lawful authority other than a sovereign's power to search at its border. Defines "laptop computer or other similar device" to include any electronic device normally used for electronic mail or messaging or for storing electronic data.
Timeline
23 Jul 2008
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6588 do?
- The Electronic Device Privacy Act of 2008, introduced in the House of Representatives, would prohibit individuals acting under U.S. authority from searching the electronic contents of laptops and similar devices of people entering the United States, specifically when such searches are based solely on the government's power to conduct border searches. This bill would define "laptop computer or other similar device" to include any electronic device commonly used for email, messaging, or storing electronic data. The bill affects individuals entering the United States. It would prevent border searches of electronic devices based on a sovereign's inherent power to search at the border. However, it would not prevent searches if there is separate, lawful authority for them. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 23, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 6588 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6588. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6588?
- H.R. 6588 was sponsored by Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-16] (D-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6588?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (23 Jul 2008).
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