The proposed bill S.49 aims to enhance the privacy protections for individuals seeking reproductive health care services in Vermont. It introduces new legal provisions that prohibit the use of geofencing technology by any person, including law enforcement, to identify or track individuals near health care facilities that provide reproductive services. Specifically, the bill establishes a 1,850-foot boundary around such facilities where geofencing cannot be employed for tracking or sending notifications related to reproductive health care. Additionally, it prohibits the acquisition of data obtained through geofencing for these purposes and imposes a civil penalty of up to $500 for violations.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits government entities from seeking reverse keyword warrants that would identify individuals who have searched for reproductive health care services online. This includes any court orders compelling the disclosure of records related to such searches, regardless of geographic or temporal limitations. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is supported by the Vermont Constitution's protection of personal reproductive autonomy.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-42B