Bill > SB679

This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies from purchasing personal data about individuals without a warrant, with some specific exceptions. The bill defines "personal data" broadly to include information like names, addresses, internet search history, location data, financial and health information, device identifiers, and communication content. Law enforcement officers are generally prohibited from requesting or receiving an individual's personal data from third parties or government entities in exchange for payment, unless specific circumstances apply. These exceptions include: having a valid warrant for a specified individual, responding to an emergency involving potential death or serious injury, accessing publicly available data, or obtaining explicit consent from the individual. The bill aims to protect personal privacy by preventing law enforcement from circumventing warrant requirements by simply buying personal information from data brokers or other sources. This legislation represents an important effort to balance law enforcement needs with individual privacy rights in an era of increasingly detailed digital information.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb679