Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Rhode Island Electronic Information and Data Privacy Act

This bill would require Rhode Island law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before accessing people's electronic information. That includes things like emails, text messages, location data, browsing history, and account information held by phone companies, internet providers, or other online services. Right now, police can sometimes obtain this kind of digital information from companies without going to a judge first. This bill would change that by requiring law enforcement to demonstrate probable cause to a judge before getting access to that data — the same standard required to search someone's home or belongings.

The bill does include exceptions for certain emergency situations, though the specific circumstances where a warrant would not be required are outlined in the legislation. These types of exceptions typically cover things like imminent threats to life or situations where waiting for a warrant could result in evidence being destroyed, though the exact details matter significantly in how broadly or narrowly those exceptions apply.

This bill would affect virtually all Rhode Island residents, since most people have digital accounts, carry smartphones, or use internet services that generate electronic data. It would also directly affect law enforcement agencies, who would need to follow additional legal steps before accessing that information. Companies like phone carriers and internet providers would have clearer legal guidance on when they must — or must not — hand over customer data. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is currently being held for further study.