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SF3118 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Tracking devices use for fleeing motor vehicles expanded use authorization

Related bill: HF1744

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • The bill aims to authorize expanded use of tracking devices on fleeing motor vehicles by creating an exception to the current prohibition. It allows a mobile tracking device to be used on a fleeing motor vehicle, with “flee” defined by a specific existing statute.

Main Provisions

  • Adds a new subdivision (2c) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 626A.35.
  • Subdivision 2c — Exception fleeing motor vehicles: The prohibition in subdivision 1 does not apply to the use of a mobile tracking device on a fleeing motor vehicle.
  • Definition reference: For purposes of this subdivision, “flee” has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes 609.487 subdivision 1.

What this means in Practice

  • Law enforcement could use a mobile tracking device on a vehicle that is fleeing from police, under the definition of flee from section 609.487(1).
  • The change explicitly carves out an exception to the general prohibition when the vehicle is fleeing, potentially enabling tracking tech in those situations and contexts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Creates a new exception in 626A.35 for mobile tracking devices on fleeing motor vehicles ( Subd. 2c ), clarifying that the existing prohibition does not apply in these fleeing cases.
  • Keeps the existing definition of “flee” tied to 609.487 subdivision 1.

Practical considerations

  • The bill focuses on expanding the scenario in which tracking technology can be used, specifically for vehicles in flight from law enforcement. It codifies an explicit exception rather than changing broad policy beyond fleeing cases.

Relevant Terms - tracking device - mobile tracking device - fleeing motor vehicle - flee - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 626A.35 - subdivision 1 - subdivision 2c - 609.487 subdivision 1 - law enforcement - public safety

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 01, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
April 01, 2025SenateActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds Subd. 2c, 'Exception fleeing motor vehicles', to 626A.35 to permit use of a mobile tracking device on a fleeing motor vehicle."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 626A.35 to create a new Subd. 2c, 'Exception fleeing motor vehicles', establishing an exception to the prohibition on certain tracking devices for fleeing motor vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates a cross-reference to the definition of 'flee' from 609.487, Subd. 1 for the purposes of Subd. 2c."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "626A.35",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites the existing definition of 'flee' in Minnesota Statutes 609.487, Subd. 1, which is used to define 'flee' for the new Subd. 2c in 626A.35.",
      "modified": [
        "The bill uses the existing definition of 'flee' from 609.487, Subd. 1 to define terms for the new Subd. 2c in 626A.35."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.487",
    "subdivision": "subd. 1"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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