Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to propose an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to explicitly include protections against unreasonable searches and seizures of electronic communications and data. This would extend the current rights safeguarding physical properties to digital information.

Main Provisions

• The proposed amendment would modify Article I, Section 10 of the Minnesota Constitution.
• The amendment would ensure that electronic communications and data are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures, similar to the protections for personal property like homes and papers.
• It would require warrants for accessing electronic data to be issued only upon probable cause, supported by an oath or affirmation, with a specific description of what will be searched or seized.

Significant Changes

• The bill extends the existing constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures to include electronic communications and data. This reflects a recognition of digital privacy concerns in the modern age.
• If adopted, the amendment would provide legal backing against unauthorized access to personal digital information by the state.

Submission to Voters

• The proposed amendment will be presented to Minnesota voters in the 2026 general election.
• Voters will be asked to decide if they agree to amend the state constitution to protect electronic data akin to physical property.

Relevant Terms

electronic communications, data privacy, unreasonable searches, seizures, probable cause, warrant, Minnesota Constitution, digital privacy rights, constitutional amendment.