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SF 3118

Tracking devices use for fleeing motor vehicles expanded use authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Jasinski and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill expands police authority to attach tracking devices to fleeing vehicles without warrants, increasing surveillance capability while potentially reducing high-speed chase risks.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#motorvehicles #publicfacilitiesauthority #telecommunicationsandinformationtechnology
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Bill Summary · SF 3118

Legislative bill overview

SF 3118 expands law enforcement's authority to use tracking devices on motor vehicles suspected of fleeing police. The bill broadens the circumstances under which officers can deploy GPS trackers or similar monitoring technology without requiring a warrant, moving beyond current statutory limitations on this surveillance power.

Why is this important

Tracking devices allow police to locate fleeing vehicles without high-speed pursuits that endanger public safety, potentially reducing injuries and property damage. However, the expansion of this power raises questions about surveillance scope, privacy protections, and when such intrusive monitoring is legally justified.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and scope creep: Expanding tracking authority without clear limitations could enable surveillance beyond fleeing suspect situations, affecting Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches
  • Warrant requirement standards: The bill may lower the threshold for when police can deploy tracking without judicial oversight, shifting authority from courts to individual officers
  • Definition ambiguity: "Fleeing motor vehicles" could be interpreted broadly (e.g., speeding away, refusing to pull over immediately) versus narrowly (active high-speed pursuit), creating enforcement inconsistency

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

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