Resolution Approved Calling for a Constitutional Amendment

Liz Gullett

May 19, 2017

This week, the House passed a resolution aimed at defining electronic property rights. It would amend the Michigan Constitution to make clear that the government must generally obtain a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or communications, protecting electronic property from unreasonable search and seizure. “As technology continues to rapidly evolve, citizens have voiced concerns over how their technological devices will be treated under existing laws that weren’t created to cover such technology,” stated Tim Ward of MLC. “This resolution would provide the choice for Michigan voters on if they believe their devices, such as smart phones, should be protected under existing search and seizure laws in Michigan.”

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), received unanimous support by the House and has been referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee for consideration. If reported by the committee and approved by two-thirds of the Senators elected and serving, it would be placed before Michigan voters on the November 2018 ballot.

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