Will Washington State End ‘Stingray’ Warrantless Surveillance?

Voices of Liberty – by Nick Hankoff

Governor Jay Inslee’s desk is the next and final stop for the Washington state bill taking on “Stingray” technology. Stingrays are used in fake cell phone towers that trick mobile devices to connecting with them, revealing personal and tracking information to law enforcement. Police have argued no warrant is necessary.

House Bill 1440 would draw clear distinctions on how and when stingrays can be used. HB1440 also addresses their role in federal mass surveillance. If it becomes law, stingrays won’t be allowed unless certain conditions are met. From the bill’s text:  

The state and its political subdivisions shall not, by means of a cell site simulator device, collect or use a person’s electronic data or metadata without
(1) that person’s informed consent,
(2) a warrant, based upon probable cause, that describes with particularity the person, place, or thing to be searched or seized, or
(3) acting in accordance with a legally recognized exception to the warrant

The bill could become law as soon as next week, though the governor will have until May 12 to sign or veto if the legislature sends the bill to his desk after April 26. No action by the governor will still mean the bill becomes law.

The Tenth Amendment Center, which broke the story, says, “In a nutshell, without state and local cooperation, the feds have a much more difficult time gathering information. This represents a major blow to the surveillance state and a win for privacy.”

http://www.voicesofliberty.com/article/will-washington-state-end-stingray-warrantless-surveillance/