Mike Maharrey writes:
On Wednesday, the Montana House gave final approval to the governor’s proposed amendments to a bill that would require police to get a warrant in order to obtain electronic communication information from service providers in most cases. If signed into law, the legislation would not only increase privacy protections in the state, it would also hinder one practical aspect of federal surveillance programs.
Rep. Daniel Zolnikov introduced House Bill 148 (HB148) on Jan. 2. Under the proposed law, a government entity could only require electronic communication service providers to disclose the contents of electronic communications stored, held, or maintained by that service pursuant to a warrant. The law would not prohibit electronic communications providers from voluntarily disclosing information where authorized under law. It would also allow police to obtain electronic communications content subject to a subpoena authorized under the laws of the state.
Read more on TenthAmendmentCenter.