Senate Bill 679 aims to enhance privacy protections by prohibiting law enforcement agencies from accessing individuals' personal data in exchange for payment or any other thing of value without a warrant. The bill amends the title of section 66.0511 to include "prohibitions" and introduces a new subsection (6) that defines personal data broadly, encompassing information such as billing details, Internet search history, and demographic data. The bill maintains existing exceptions for exigent circumstances or when consent is given by the individual.

Under the proposed legislation, law enforcement officers are barred from requesting or obtaining personal data from third parties or governmental entities if they are aware that such data was acquired in exchange for payment. However, exceptions to this prohibition include situations where a warrant is obtained, emergencies arise that threaten life or serious injury, the data is publicly available, or the individual has consented to the access. This bill seeks to ensure that personal data is not commodified and is only accessed under appropriate legal circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 66.0511(title), 66.0511