This legislative bill from Minnesota modifies the rules concerning the use of tracking devices on vehicles by law enforcement. Currently, a tracking device cannot be attached to a vehicle unless it is unoccupied, to comply with privacy regulations under the law specified in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626A.35, subdivision 2b. This bill proposes two key changes:

1. Tracking Stolen Vehicles: The bill allows law enforcement to attach a tracking device to a stolen vehicle even if it is occupied, provided the vehicle has been reported stolen by its owner. Once the device is attached, the officer must either remove, disable the device, or secure a search warrant to continue its use within 24 hours. If the stolen vehicle is recovered and returned to the owner, the tracking device must be removed. Any data collected from the device after the vehicle is returned to the owner would not be permissible in court.

2. Tracking Fleeing Vehicles: The bill also proposes an exception to allow tracking devices on vehicles that are actively fleeing from law enforcement. This section references the definition of "fleeing" from another part of state law to clarify under what circumstances this exception applies.

Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting by law enforcement agencies who obtain search warrants to use these tracking devices. They must report the number of search warrants obtained to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which in turn must include this information in a biennial report to the state legislature.

In essence, these changes intend to enhance public safety by making it easier for law enforcement to use technology to track stolen and fleeing vehicles while setting specific guidelines to manage privacy concerns.