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Bill

LC 4218

Prohibit installing tracking device or app without consent

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill would criminalize installing tracking devices or apps on someone else's property or accounts without consent to prevent unauthorized surveillance.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
#informationtechnology(seealso:communications) #privacy
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Bill Summary · LC 4218

Legislative bill overview

LC 4218 would prohibit the installation of tracking devices or applications on another person's property, vehicle, or digital accounts without their explicit consent. The bill appears designed to address unauthorized surveillance and stalking concerns while establishing penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Unauthorized tracking—whether through GPS devices, spyware, or monitoring apps—affects personal safety, privacy, and autonomy. This bill would create legal recourse for victims of stalking, domestic abuse, and unauthorized monitoring. Such protections are increasingly important as tracking technology becomes cheaper and easier to deploy.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill would need precise definitions of what constitutes a "tracking device or app" to avoid sweeping in legitimate parental monitoring tools, fleet management systems, or anti-theft devices.
  • Consent exceptions: Questions arise about when consent isn't required—for example, do employers need explicit consent for company device monitoring, or parents for minor children's location tracking?
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving installation "without consent" could be difficult, especially with remote installation methods or social engineering tactics.
  • Interaction with other laws: The relationship between this bill and existing stalking, wiretapping, and cybercrime statutes would need clarification to avoid redundancy or conflicts.

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

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