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Searches of Electronic Communications Bill Gains Ground In Iowa Legislature

Electronic Data 033017

The Iowa Constitution would protect against unreasonable searches and seizures of electronic communications and data, under an amendment that’s moving through the Iowa Legislature. Siouxland Public Media’s Mary Hartnett has more.

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The measure would require the issuance of a search warrant based on probable cause for search and seizure of electronic communications and data. The Iowa House has already approved House Joint Resolution.  A Senate subcommittee gave the bill unanimous support this week.  Lobbyists representing Microsoft Corp.; Google Inc.; Amazon.com; and the Iowa Association for Justice support the measure. 

Changes to the Iowa Constitution must be approved by simple majorities in the House and Senate in two consecutive general assemblies. The proposed amendment would then need to be approved a simple majority of Iowa's voters. The proposal could be on ballots by the November 2020 election at the earliest.  For Siouxland Public Media, I'm Mary Hartnett.

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