Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to include the protection of electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures. This is an effort to extend existing privacy rights to modern forms of communication and data storage.

Main Provisions

• Constitutional Amendment: The bill will put forward a proposed change to the Minnesota Constitution, specifically to Article I, Section 10.
• Electronic Communications and Data Protection: The amendment will ensure that electronic communications and data are covered under the same privacy protections as physical items like persons, houses, papers, and effects.
• Probable Cause Requirement: It specifies that no warrant can be issued for accessing electronic communications and data unless there is probable cause, which must be supported by an oath or affirmation. This mirrors the current requirement for physical searches and seizures.
• Warrant Description: Any warrant must clearly describe the electronic communications or data to be accessed, similar to how it must describe physical items to be searched or seized.

Significant Changes

• Expansion of Privacy Rights: The bill expands existing privacy protections explicitly to include electronic communications and data, which were not previously specified. This change reflects the need for updated legal protections in light of technological advancements.
• Voter Submission: The amendment must be voted on by the general public during the 2026 general election, allowing citizens to decide on this constitutional change.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Constitution
• Unreasonable searches and seizures
• Electronic communications
• Data protection
• Probable cause
• Warrant