Bill
Bill > H8119
RI H8119
RI H8119Prohibits warrantless purchases of personal data in connection with any criminal, civil, or other investigatory or enforcement activity.
summary
Introduced
02/27/2026
02/27/2026
In Committee
02/27/2026
02/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would prohibit warrantless searches of personal data in connection with any criminal, civil, or other investigatory or enforcement activity. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill aims to prevent law enforcement and other government entities from purchasing personal data from third parties, such as data brokers, without a warrant, thereby closing a loophole that allows them to bypass constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It defines key terms like "governmental entity," "law enforcement entity," "personal data" (which includes a broad range of information like browsing history, location, and communications content), and "third party." The bill explicitly prohibits these entities from obtaining or receiving personal data from third parties in exchange for anything of value, or from other government agencies if that data was originally purchased. However, exceptions are made for situations where a warrant is obtained, there's an imminent danger, the data is publicly available, the individual voluntarily shared it with law enforcement in mind, or the data is being provided to or by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals to seek legal remedies and prohibiting the use of illegally obtained data in investigations or court proceedings, except as evidence of a violation of this chapter, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Brandon Potter (D)*,
Edith Ajello (D),
Jose Batista (D),
Matthew Dawson (D),
Leo Felix (D),
Jason Knight (D),
Carol McEntee (D),
David Morales (D),
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary (on 02/27/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H8119.pdf |
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