Electronic tracking devices; person who uses without consent to track location of another, penalty. (HB807)

Introduced By

Del. Joe May (R-Leesburg)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Use of electronic tracking devices; penalty.  Provides that any person who uses an electronic tracking device through intentionally deceptive means and without consent to track the location of another person is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. The bill includes exceptions for law-enforcement officers, the parent or legal guardian of a minor, private investigators in certain circumstances, bail bondsmen, and the owners of fleet vehicles. The bill also directs the Criminal Justice Services Board to promulgate regulations concerning the use of electronic tracking devices by private investigators and bail bondsmen. This bill is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/11/2012Committee
01/11/2012Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/12 12100525D
01/11/2012Referred to Committee on Science and Technology
02/08/2012Reported from Science and Technology with substitute (20-Y 2-N) (see vote tally)
02/08/2012Committee substitute printed 12104653D-H1
02/09/2012Read first time
02/10/2012Read second time
02/10/2012Committee substitute agreed to 12104653D-H1
02/10/2012Engrossed by House - committee substitute HB807H1
02/10/2012Impact statement from DPB (HB807H1)
02/13/2012Read third time and passed House (88-Y 10-N)
02/13/2012VOTE: PASSAGE (88-Y 10-N) (see vote tally)
02/14/2012Constitutional reading dispensed
02/14/2012Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
02/20/2012Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (6-Y 9-N) (see vote tally)
02/23/2012Reconsidered by Courts of Justice
02/27/2012Continued to 2013 in Courts of Justice (11-Y 4-N) (see vote tally)

Video

This bill was discussed on the floor of the General Assembly. Below is all of the video that we have of that discussion, 1 clip in all, totaling 4 minutes.

Comments

Charles E. Ciccotti writes:

The Commonwealth of Virginia has many more important issues affecting the daily lives of all Virginians. The GPS unit is a very useful tool, if used properly and used by professionals. Delegate May needs to direct his efforts in a more useful manner.

Robert Knopka writes:

The electronic device allows location to be broadcast, or not to be broadcast, based on preference. There are bona fide uses for locating your device outside of this law. Planning a surprize 50th birthday party? Try to keep track of the guest of honor! Help finding an inebriated friend in the park? With what, flashlights? Neighbors looking for their friend who suffers from a health condition? This law was introduced to save dishonest people from being caught in their lying lives. Laws are to protect the majority, not to save the devious. Concern about someones safety is a right that should not restricted. It is not a privact issue, If someone put an app on your phone, then you are already found!