Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (26 Sep 2008): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9673-9676)
What this bill does
This bill, the Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008, would establish new rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when searching or seizing electronic devices like laptops and phones from U.S. residents at the border. It aims to protect privacy by requiring DHS officials to have "reasonable suspicion" of illegal activity before searching such devices. The bill also prohibits using race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion to select individuals for searches, except in very specific circumstances related to identifying a particular person.
The legislation would affect U.S. citizens and legal residents traveling into the United States. It sets limitations on how long devices can be held and requires that information found on the devices be handled with greater care. The bill also allows individuals to file claims for damaged equipment.
As this bill has only been introduced, it is in the very early stages of the legislative process. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where it will be considered before potentially moving forward for a vote in the Senate and then, if passed, to the House of Representatives.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008 - Sets forth standards and procedures for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) border searches or seizures of electronic equipment transported by a U.S. resident.
Prohibits a DHS official from considering race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in selecting U.S. residents for such searches except as provided for by this Act.
Sets forth limitations on the access to such equipment or the disclosure of related information.
Authorizes claims to be made for damaged equipment.
Sets forth remedy and enforcement provisions.
Timeline
26 Sep 2008
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9673-9676)
Common questions
- What does S. 3612 do?
- This bill, the Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008, would establish new rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when searching or seizing electronic devices like laptops and phones from U.S. residents at the border. It aims to protect privacy by requiring DHS officials to have "reasonable suspicion" of illegal activity before searching such devices. The bill also prohibits using race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion to select individuals for searches, except in very specific circumstances related to identifying a particular person. The legislation would affect U.S. citizens and legal residents traveling into the United States. It sets limitations on how long devices can be held and requires that information found on the devices be handled with greater care. The bill also allows individuals to file claims for damaged equipment. As this bill has only been introduced, it is in the very early stages of the legislative process. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where it will be considered before potentially moving forward for a vote in the Senate and then, if passed, to the House of Representatives.
- Has S. 3612 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3612. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3612?
- S. 3612 was sponsored by Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] (D-WI), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3612?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9673-9676) (26 Sep 2008).
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More bills from Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]
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