A bill to place restrictions on searches and seizures of electronic devices at the border.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Feb 2018): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1249)
What this bill does
This bill proposes to set new rules for how U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials can search or seize electronic devices at the international border. Generally, it would prohibit such searches or seizures unless specific conditions are met.
Under the bill, a manual search of a device would be allowed if an official has a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in illegal activity or inadmissible to the U.S., and that the device contains relevant evidence. Seizures would require probable cause that the individual is violating laws and the device contains relevant evidence. A more in-depth "forensic search" would require a warrant from a court.
The bill sets out procedures for these searches, including supervisory approval and recording specific details about the individual and the justification for the search. It also outlines conditions for manual searches, such as the individual being allowed to observe, and requires a warrant for any seized device before it can be searched. The bill was introduced in the Senate in February 2018 and referred to a committee, where it currently remains.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from searching or seizing an electronic device at the international border except in certain circumstances where a manual or a forensic search or a seizure is justified by a reasonable suspicion or probable cause that the person transporting the device is carrying contraband or illegally transporting goods or persons. The bill sets forth procedures for initiating searches and seizures of electronic devices at the border.
Timeline
27 Feb 2018
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1249)
Common questions
- What does S. 2462 do?
- This bill proposes to set new rules for how U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials can search or seize electronic devices at the international border. Generally, it would prohibit such searches or seizures unless specific conditions are met. Under the bill, a manual search of a device would be allowed if an official has a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in illegal activity or inadmissible to the U.S., and that the device contains relevant evidence. Seizures would require probable cause that the individual is violating laws and the device contains relevant evidence. A more in-depth "forensic search" would require a warrant from a court. The bill sets out procedures for these searches, including supervisory approval and recording specific details about the individual and the justification for the search. It also outlines conditions for manual searches, such as the individual being allowed to observe, and requires a warrant for any seized device before it can be searched. The bill was introduced in the Senate in February 2018 and referred to a committee, where it currently remains.
- Has S. 2462 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2462. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2462?
- S. 2462 was sponsored by Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] (D-VT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2462?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1249) (27 Feb 2018).
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