WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 229

A bill for an act relating to the unauthorized placement of a global positioning device and providing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Gjerde

Prohibits placing a GPS device on another’s vehicle without consent and obtaining location data from it without consent, with specific exemptions and penalties.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#globalpositioningdevices
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 229

Summary of HF 229 (Introduced February 6, 2025)

Overview

HF 229 aims to curb unauthorized placement of global positioning devices (GPS) and access to movement/location information derived from such devices. The bill makes it unlawful to place a GPS-equipped device on a motor vehicle owned or leased by another person without that person’s consent, and to intentionally obtain movement/location information from such a device without consent. The bill is currently in a Judiciary subcommittee, which recommended passage.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on placement without consent

    • It shall be unlawful to place a GPS device or a device with GPS technology on a motor vehicle owned or leased by another person without that person’s consent.

  • Prohibition on obtaining location information without consent

    • It is also unlawful to intentionally obtain information about another person’s movement or location from a GPS device or GPS-enabled device that has been placed without that person’s consent.

  • Exemptions (not subject to the bill)
    1) A manufacturer (as defined by Code section 321.1) or a person acting within the scope of employment who installs an in-vehicle communication or telematics system.
    2) A device installed with the vehicle owner’s permission for automobile insurance rating, underwriting, or claims handling purposes.
    3) A peace officer acting within the scope of employment.
    4) A parent or guardian tracking the movement or location of the parent’s minor child or guardian’s ward.
    5) An employer or business owner tracking the movement or location of a motor vehicle owned, leased, or assigned for use by the employer or business.
    6) A person tracking the movement or location of a device included within the person’s shared cellular communications service plan.

  • Penalties

    • A violation constitutes a serious misdemeanor.
    • Penalty range: confinement up to 1 year and a fine between $430 and $2,560.

Who is affected

  • Potential violators: Individuals who place GPS devices on someone else’s vehicle without consent, or who intentionally obtain movement/location data from such devices.
  • Generally exempt activities: The six enumerated exemptions cover manufacturers/installers of telematics, insurers/claims handlers with permission, law enforcement, parents/guardians, employers tracking work vehicles, and users with shared service plans.
  • Impact on privacy traditionally: The bill signals greater privacy protections against covert tracking, while allowing specified legitimate uses through the exemptions.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Committee action: Referred to Judiciary; subcommittee on February 6–11, 2025, with members Lohse, Wessel-Kroeschell, and Wheeler.
  • Subcommittee recommendation: February 26, 2025 – recommended passage.
  • Next steps: Likely consideration by the full committee and potentially the House floor thereafter.

Notes

  • Primary sponsor: Gjerde.
  • Version analyzed: Introduced text. The bill text includes line-item references clarifying exceptions and penalties. No fiscal note is provided in the summary materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.