LANSING, Mich. — A Senate committee has approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. Jim Runestad that would protect residents against certain unreasonable searches and seizures.
Senate Joint Resolution G would clearly define in the Michigan Constitution that electronic data and communications are property and, as such, are exempt from search and seizure without a warrant.
“Electronic property rights are part of our right as individuals to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. This resolution has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, and I hope we take it up soon.”
Runestad said the same resolution passed in the state House in 2016 and again in 2017 with 107 supporting votes both times and is likely to be supported overwhelmingly by Michigan residents if placed on the ballot.
The lawmaker also mentioned that a similar law in the state of Missouri is working as intended.
“Missouri adopted this protection on the state’s August 2014 ballot with 75% approval by the voters,” Runestad said. “The attorney general’s office in Missouri and the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys have both concluded that no issues have arisen from the passage of this amendment.”
SJR G has been approved by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and is now before the full Senate for consideration.
If approved by two-thirds of both the Senate and the House, SJR G would be placed on the next statewide general election ballot.