Legislation

After the recent passage of S.J. Resolution 34 in Congress, which will overturn an FCC rule that requires Internet service providers to get customers’ permission before selling sensitive consumer data, such as browsing history, legislation like H 6086 and H 6087 is imperative.

This legislation seeks to address the use of technology and sharing of data on Rhode Island’s highways. Last year, the General Assembly authorized the highway truck toll program, which included the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

Just a few years ago, the General Assembly took some important steps to protect the privacy of individuals by requiring law enforcement to have a warrant before accessing records in the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PMP).

The ACLU testified at the House Judiciary Committee in support of this legislation which aims to regulate and limit the use of cell-site simulators, or “stingrays.”

This legislation would sanction the installation of a highway surveillance system of automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

This legislation aimed to make amendments to last year's Location Tracking bill which requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before requesting cell phone location information, except in emergencies dealing with the threat of death or serious physical injury.

According to a report from the General Accountability Office released in the spring of 2016, RI was set to become one of 18 states in the process of negotiating MOUs with the FBI to facilitate their access to driver’s license images for purposes of facial recognition matching.