Inver Grove Heights Representative Introduces Cell Phone Privacy Bill

Consumer privacy is at the heart of a new bill introduced last week by District 39B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL).

Under the proposed legislation, cell phone providers would be prohibited from tracking users through their mobile phone or wireless device — unless the owner  grants the provider written permission. The bill, HF 1700, has already garnered support from both sides of the political aisle; several Republican representatives, including District 52B Rep. Matt Dean and District 39A Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, have signed on as co-authors of the bill.

“Wireless consumers deserve to know that their privacy is not being compromised by cell phone providers or applications downloaded to their phones,” Atkins wrote in a press release. “This bill will protect the privacy of Minnesotans, while allowing those who wish to participate in location-based services offered by cell phone companies the opportunity to do so."

User data and privacy issues have been gathering attention since late April, when two specialists discovered that Apple's iPhone tracks and records the location data of its users in a digital folder stored on the phone. The Wall Street Journal reported that the phones regularly transmit that data back to Apple — which uses it for marketing.

The bill does contain some caveats: Law enforcement agencies are still allowed to collect tracking data on users from cell phone providers. The exception, Atkins noted in the press release, may help agencies find missing children or people.

The bill has been referred to the Minneosta House of Representative's Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee.

"Consumers should have the ability to opt in to a scenario when their every movement is being tracked and stored,” District 67B Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL) in the release. “People subscribe to cell phone providers for communication needs, not to have Big Brother follow them. This is a consumer-friendly bill that gives regular people peace of mind."

Sen. Jim Metzen

New Activity:

— Metzen authored a bonding request for $3.5 million to construct a grade-separated crossing along South Robert Street in West St. Paul for the North Urban Regional Trail. SF1394, introduced on May 5.

Existing legislation:

— A resolution authored by Metzen declaring August as Meningitis Awareness Month awaits a vote by the Rules and Administration Committee. SR 76, introduced on May 3.

 — A resolution authored by Metzen urging support for the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a part of the global community is still awaiting a vote by the State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee. SF483, introduced on Feb. 28.

— A bill co-authored by Metzen that enables gambling at horsetracks in Minnesota and establishes the "Minnesota Future Fund" with gambling proceeds has been withdrawn and re-referred to the State Government Innovation and Veterans  Committee. SF 1046, introduced on March 25.
 

Rep. Joe Atkins

Existing Legislation:

— A bill authored by Atkins that would prohibit automobile insurers from owning repair shops in Minnesota is still awaiting a vote by the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee. HF 1564, introduced on April 26.

—A bill authored by Atkins allowing wine tasting and wine sales at certain annual festivals is still awaiting a vote by the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee. HF 787, introduced on March 3.

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would appropriate $1.5 million for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Cannon River at Lake Byllesby is still awaiting a vote by the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. HF491, introduced on Feb. 14. 

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would reduce the salaries and per diem payments for legislators and constitutional officers is still awaiting a vote State Government Finance Committee. HF178, introduced on Jan. 24.

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