LANSING – A joint resolution extending Michigan’s Constitution’s prohibition against unreasonable government search and seizures to electronic data and communications unanimously cleared the House.
The amendment, HJR C, passed 107-0, easily clearing the two-thirds majority requirement. If it passes the Senate, also with a two-thirds minimum vote, it will go on the ballot in 2018. If approved by the voters, it would amend the Constitution to require a warrant before accessing a person’s electronic communications and data.
Rep. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), the sponsor of the resolution, said Missouri overwhelmingly passed a similar measure. He has been in contact with the attorney general and prosecutors there and they have reported no adverse effects.
Runestad also said the Department of State Police has confirmed that the change would not block its cyber programs.
The House also passed HB 4065, 104-3, that would allow the Department of Corrections to hire felons into some positions.
The bill would provide that a person “shall not be dismissed from his or her employment … in the department solely due to a felony conviction that he or she disclosed to the department prior to employment by or appointment to a position in the department.”
Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), Rep. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) and Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) voted no on the bill.
