2015 House Joint Resolution N

Protect "electronic data and communications" from unreasonable search and seizure

Introduced in the House

March 26, 2015

Introduced by Rep. Jim Runestad (R-44)

To place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment to add “electronic data and communications” to the Article I provision that recognizes the right of the people to be secure from unreasonable government searches and seizures of their “person, houses, papers, and possessions”.

Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice

June 1, 2016

Amendment offered by Rep. Lana Theis (R-42)

To clarify that a search warrant would be required to "access" a person's electronic data and communications, rather than just to "search" these.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Lana Theis (R-42)

To make more explicit that the measure requires a warrant to access electronic communications, not just data.

The amendment passed by voice vote

June 2, 2016

Passed in the House 107 to 1 (details)

To place before voters in the next general election a state constitutional amendment to add a requirement that government get a warrant to “access a person's electronic data and electronic communication.” This would be added to the Article I provision that recognizes the right of the people to be secure from unreasonable government searches and seizures of their “person, houses, papers, and possessions”.

Received in the Senate

June 7, 2016

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Sept. 6, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations