HB 2553

Abstract

Creates the Protecting Household Privacy Act. Provides that a law enforcement agency shall not obtain household electronic data or direct the acquisition of household electronic data from a private third party, unless (i) the law enforcement agency obtains a court order based upon probable cause, or (ii) the owner of the household electronic device consents to voluntarily provide the desired household electronic data. Provides that if a law enforcement agency obtains household electronic data, the agency within 30 days shall destroy all information obtained, except that a supervisor at that agency may retain particular information if (1) there is reasonable suspicion that the information contains evidence of criminal activity, or (2) the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates Protecting Household Privacy Act. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with these exceptions. Changes the exceptions in which law enforcement agency may obtain household electronic data. Provides that a law enforcement agency may obtain the data (1) if a law enforcement agency first obtains a warrant under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963; (2) a specified emergency situation exists; or (3) with the lawful consent of the owner of the household electronic device or person in actual or constructive possession of the household electronic device, excluding law enforcement personnel. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to apply to the interception, recording, wiretap, or other acquisition of electronic communications as they are transmitted in real time. Provides that in the event of any conflict between the Act and any applicable federal or State law, the requirement that establishes the higher standard for law enforcement to obtain information shall govern. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Defines "digital gateway device". Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits the use of a lawful grand jury subpoena to obtain information which was obtainable by grand jury subpoena prior to the effective date of the Act. Provides that nothing in the Act expands existing civil or criminal liability of an individual or entity arising under any applicable federal or State law.