Bill S.49 aims to enhance the privacy of individuals seeking reproductive health care services in Vermont by implementing specific prohibitions against the use of geofencing technology and reverse keyword warrants. The bill explicitly prohibits any person, including law enforcement, from establishing geofences around health care facilities that provide reproductive services, which would allow for the identification or tracking of individuals. Additionally, it prevents government entities from obtaining warrants that target individuals based on their electronic searches for reproductive health services. This legislation is grounded in the Vermont Constitution's protection of personal reproductive autonomy.

The bill introduces new legal language that defines key terms such as "geofence," "device," and "health care facility," and outlines the penalties for violations, which can be up to $500 per infraction. It also establishes a clear effective date for the law, set for July 1, 2025. Overall, S.49 seeks to safeguard the privacy rights of individuals in the context of reproductive health care, ensuring that their personal information and search activities remain confidential.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-42B