Closing the Warrantless Digital Car Search Loophole Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Nov 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
This bill, titled the "Closing the Warrantless Digital Car Search Loophole Act of 2021," aims to change how law enforcement officers can access data stored in noncommercial vehicles. Currently, officers may be able to access certain vehicle data without a warrant. This bill would generally require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing this "covered vehicle data," which includes information from onboard sensors, cameras, navigation systems, and telematics. Data obtained without a warrant would be inadmissible as evidence in legal proceedings.
The bill specifies exceptions where a warrant might not be needed, such as when the vehicle operator or owner provides clear, voluntary consent, or in emergency situations involving immediate danger to life or serious injury, provided a warrant application is made within 48 hours. This legislation affects individuals who own or operate noncommercial vehicles, as well as law enforcement agencies.
This bill was introduced in the Senate in November 2021 by Senator Ron Wyden and cosponsor Senator Cynthia Lummis. It was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The bill has not yet moved beyond its introduction and referral stage.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Closing the Warrantless Digital Car Search Loophole Act of 2021
This bill generally prohibits investigative and law enforcement officers from accessing vehicle data (onboard and telematics data in a noncommercial vehicle, such as navigation data and data captured by onboard sensors or cameras) unless pursuant to a warrant. Vehicle data acquired in violation of this bill is inadmissible as evidence in any trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding.
Timeline
18 Nov 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 3231 do?
- This bill, titled the "Closing the Warrantless Digital Car Search Loophole Act of 2021," aims to change how law enforcement officers can access data stored in noncommercial vehicles. Currently, officers may be able to access certain vehicle data without a warrant. This bill would generally require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing this "covered vehicle data," which includes information from onboard sensors, cameras, navigation systems, and telematics. Data obtained without a warrant would be inadmissible as evidence in legal proceedings. The bill specifies exceptions where a warrant might not be needed, such as when the vehicle operator or owner provides clear, voluntary consent, or in emergency situations involving immediate danger to life or serious injury, provided a warrant application is made within 48 hours. This legislation affects individuals who own or operate noncommercial vehicles, as well as law enforcement agencies. This bill was introduced in the Senate in November 2021 by Senator Ron Wyden and cosponsor Senator Cynthia Lummis. It was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The bill has not yet moved beyond its introduction and referral stage.
- Has S. 3231 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3231. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3231?
- S. 3231 was sponsored by Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 3231?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (18 Nov 2021).
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