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HF 2313

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another person prohibited, and cause of action when violation has occurred provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Franson and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill prohibits unauthorized person tracking via geolocation and smartphone monitoring, creating civil liability for violators without explicit consent.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2313

Legislative bill overview

HF 2313 would prohibit the unauthorized geolocation tracking and smartphone monitoring of another person without their consent. The bill also establishes a civil cause of action, allowing victims to sue those who violate these protections and potentially recover damages.

Why is this important

Unauthorized tracking and smartphone monitoring have become increasingly common tactics in intimate partner violence, stalking, harassment, and theft. This bill addresses a documented gap in Minnesota law by creating explicit legal protections and remedies for victims whose location and device activity are monitored without permission.

Potential points of contention

  • Technology scope definition: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "monitoring" may need clarification—does it apply only to real-time tracking or also to location history? Does it cover social media location sharing or only geolocation services?
  • Consent mechanisms: Determining what constitutes valid "consent" could be complex, especially in situations involving coercion, family members, or employer-employee relationships where power imbalances exist.
  • Parental monitoring exceptions: The bill may face debate over whether parents should have exemptions to monitor minor children's locations, and at what age consent becomes mandatory.
  • Enforcement and damages: Questions about who can bring civil suits, what damages are recoverable, and whether this duplicates existing stalking/harassment laws.

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

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