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HB 1883

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS FOURTH AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE COLLECTION OF ELECTRONIC DATA AND METADATA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long

HB 1883 aimed to protect Arkansans' electronic data by restricting state agencies from aiding federal data collection without consent or a warrant, reinforcing privacy rights.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1883

Summary of House Bill 1883: Arkansas Fourth Amendment Protection Act

Bill Number: HB 1883
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Long

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1883, titled the Arkansas Fourth Amendment Protection Act, aimed to enhance the protection of citizens' electronic data and metadata from government collection. The bill sought to establish clear guidelines regarding when state agencies could assist federal entities in collecting such information, thereby reinforcing Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to existing law:

  1. Definitions:

    • Electronic Data: Information related to electronic communications, including content, sender/recipient details, timestamps, and identity of individuals or devices involved.
    • Metadata: Information that describes the history and management of electronic documents, including data collection and modification details.
    • State Agency: Defined as any instrumentality of state government, including boards, commissions, and departments.

  2. Restrictions on State Agencies:

    • State agencies would be prohibited from assisting federal agencies in the collection of electronic data or metadata unless:
      • The individual has provided informed consent.
      • The collection is conducted under a warrant based on reasonable cause that specifically describes the person, place, or thing to be searched or seized.
      • The collection falls under a legally recognized exception to the warrant requirement.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1883 would have had a significant impact on the relationship between state and federal authorities regarding data collection practices. It aimed to:
- Protect citizens' privacy rights by limiting the circumstances under which state agencies could collaborate with federal entities.
- Ensure that any collection of electronic data or metadata would require either consent or a warrant, thereby reinforcing legal protections against unwarranted surveillance.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on March 20, 2025, and was quickly referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • Despite its introduction, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage and ultimately died at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

In summary, HB 1883 represented an effort to safeguard the privacy of Arkansas residents in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of constitutional protections in the face of evolving technology and data collection practices.

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

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