McMillin files Hailstorm oversight bills

Requires specific warrants, oversight, and criminal penalties for misuse

Today, State Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) introduced House Bills 5710 and 5712, which would put rules, penalties and oversight in place for military-style Hailstorm and StingRay cellular surveillance technology, such as those used by the Oakland County Sheriff’s office.

“Laws have not kept up with technology and now that law enforcement is using military-style surveillance devices, we need to update our laws to ensure our citizens’ privacy is protected,” said McMillin.

HB 5710 would require a specific warrant be obtained before a cell tower simulator device may be used. In the application for a warrant, a judge must be provided with information on the device’s capabilities and how it is intended to be used. If data is collected from mobile users who are not specifically named in the warrant, they must be notified by mail within 30 days of what data was collected and how it was disposed.

HB 5712 would create a state board to oversee how surveillance technology is used by law enforcement in Michigan.  The board will promulgate rules to regulate which law enforcement agencies possesses this technology and how it is used.  The bill also specifies that the penalties for misusing this technology would be the same as the penalties for misusing the LEIN system.

McMillin also pointed out, “Law enforcement using Hailstorm has claimed they are getting warrants and no one is misusing the technology, so I would assume they will fully support this legislation.”

About Sarah Hovis

Freelance wordsmith, arts appreciator, grammar geek, sports spectator, stationery snob, and world traveler, Sarah charts her own course as the owner of saliho creative. She uses her creative mind and engaging dialogue to fearlessly bring the written word to life in print and online… all while keeping a watchful eye out for the next literary adventure. You can reach her at sarah@rochestermedia.com.

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