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H 3295

Emergency release of vehicle location information

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hardee and 1 co-sponsor

South Carolina draft: requires in-vehicle security system providers to release vehicle location data to law enforcement in emergencies upon request.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 3295

Summary of bill materials (H 3295) — key points and issues

Note on source materials: The documents you provided contain two different bills merged into one file. One is a South Carolina-style draft titled “Emergency release of vehicle location information” (would add a new Section 23-1-260). The other is a Massachusetts House bill (House No. 3295 / Docket No. 3490) concerning a license permitting the Town of Southwick to use state land (a boat ramp) for parking. Below are concise, separate summaries of each bill, plus a brief note about the inconsistent/merged filing.

A. Emergency release of vehicle location information (South Carolina draft)

Purpose / intent

Require companies that operate in-vehicle security systems (example named: OnStar) to provide vehicle location information to law enforcement upon request in emergency situations.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Section 23-1-260 to Title 23, Chapter 1 of the South Carolina Code.
  • States that, notwithstanding any other law, companies that maintain in-vehicle security systems must release vehicle location information to a law enforcement agency upon request in an emergency situation.
  • Effective immediately upon the Governor’s approval.

Who is affected

  • Private companies operating in-vehicle security systems for motor vehicles (e.g., OnStar and similar services).
  • Law enforcement agencies seeking vehicle location data in emergencies.
  • Vehicle owners/users whose location data can be accessed/released under this statute.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits: could speed law enforcement response in emergencies (e.g., kidnappings, missing persons, medical crises, stolen vehicles).
  • Privacy and civil liberties concerns: the bill does not define “emergency situation,” specify required legal process (warrant, court order), require notice to vehicle owners, or set data-minimization, retention, or audit safeguards.
  • Operational impacts on providers: requires procedures to respond to emergency requests and may create liability/ compliance questions if other laws (federal/state privacy/communications statutes) apply.

Procedural / timeline

  • The draft indicates it “takes effect upon approval by the Governor.”

B. Massachusetts — License for use of state land by the Town of Southwick (House No. 3295 / Docket No. 3490)

Purpose / intent

Authorize the state (Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) to enter into a license with the Town of Southwick permitting the Town to use the North Pond boat ramp on Point Grove Road for parking.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and the Town of Southwick to enter into a license for a renewable 5-year term to use the North Pond boat ramp property for parking.
  • Clarifies that the license is not a disposition of an interest in Commonwealth land and is not subject to:
    • Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution (which protects certain conservation lands), or
    • Section 5A of chapter 3 of the General Laws.

Who is affected

  • Town of Southwick (beneficiary/licensee).
  • Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (licensor).
  • Users of North Pond and adjacent property (potentially increased parking and altered access).
  • State constitutional protections are explicitly excluded for this license (i.e., the land is not being permanently conveyed).

Procedural / timeline (as included in materials)

  • Prefiled: 12/05/2024
  • Introduced/read first time and referred: 1/14/2025 (referred to Committee on Judiciary)
  • Also listed as referred to Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (per docket text)
  • Hearing scheduled: 04/09/2025 (1:00–5:00 PM, location A-2)
  • Reporting date extended to: 12/03/2025

Final note on document inconsistencies

The provided packet appears to conflate two unrelated measures:
- A South Carolina statutory addition regarding emergency release of vehicle location data (title and text match that subject).
- A Massachusetts House petition (H.3295 / Docket 3490) about a 5-year license for the Town of Southwick to use state land (North Pond boat ramp) for parking.

If you want a focused legislative summary or bill-tracking entry for one of these measures, please confirm which bill (state and bill number) you want prioritized and I will produce a finalized, standalone summary and analysis (including suggested amendments, fiscal/constitutional notes, or stakeholder impacts if desired).

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

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