Bill > HB4628

This bill, known as the PEEPS Act, aims to protect citizens from government surveillance by regulating access to and security of databases containing historical location information, which is defined as data revealing locations more than 24 hours prior to access. The bill states that government officials cannot access such databases unless they have a warrant, obtain voluntary consent from individuals whose data is accessed (with specific exceptions for vehicle owners reporting a car lost or stolen), face exigent circumstances making a warrant impractical, or are using the information solely for purposes like toll collection, traffic or parking enforcement, or information security. Furthermore, government entities collecting this information must not share it outside their jurisdiction or sell it to private parties, and they must establish policies for data security, encryption, and require supervisor approval for any access, with detailed records kept of each access, including the official's identity, purpose, justification, and supervisor approval. These records must be audited by supervisors at least every 30 days, and an annual report summarizing this data must be created and made available. The bill also mandates training for officials accessing this data and limits the retention of historical location information to 10 days. Violations can result in evidence being inadmissible in court, suspension of access for officials, and civil action by the Attorney General. Importantly, no municipality can enact laws less restrictive than this act.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill