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Bill

SB 679

Relating to: prohibiting a law enforcement agency from accessing personal data in exchange for payment without a warrant.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Keyeski and 1 co-sponsor

Wisconsin law would require police to obtain warrants before purchasing personal data from private companies, closing a legal loophole that allows surveillance without judicial oversight.

Senator Larson added as a coauthor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 679

Legislative bill overview

SB 679 prohibits law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin from purchasing or accessing personal data from private companies without a warrant. The bill creates a legal barrier against police using commercial data brokers as a workaround to Fourth Amendment warrant requirements, requiring judicial oversight before accessing sensitive personal information held by third parties.

Why is this important

Law enforcement increasingly purchases consumer data (location history, financial records, browsing data) from private brokers without warrants, exploiting a legal gray area. This bill addresses growing privacy concerns by establishing that warrant requirements apply regardless of whether data is held by government or private companies, affecting how investigations are conducted statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement opposition: Police agencies may argue warrant requirements slow investigations and reduce their ability to respond quickly to crimes, public safety threats, or time-sensitive situations
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's language around "personal data" and which transactions are prohibited could create enforcement challenges and litigation over what constitutes an unlawful purchase
  • Interstate complications: Wisconsin restrictions may be undermined if officers purchase data from out-of-state brokers or if other states lack similar protections, raising questions about practical enforceability

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

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