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SB 50

Veterans Affairs

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Don Gaetz

SB 50 empowers domestic violence survivors to request termination of a perpetrator's access to connected devices, enhancing their safety and autonomy within 2 days.

Laid on Table, refer to CS/CS/HB 199
#subjectindex #(vetoed)
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Bill Summary · SB 50

Summary of SB 50: Connected Devices - Device Protection Requests

Overview

Bill Number: SB 50
Introduced: December 16, 2024
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 676, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Ashby
Subject: Connected devices, device protection requests

SB 50 aims to enhance the safety and autonomy of survivors of domestic violence and related crimes by enabling them to request the termination of a perpetrator's access to connected devices and associated user accounts.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 50 is to provide a legal mechanism for survivors of domestic violence and other specified crimes to protect themselves from further abuse facilitated through technology. The bill recognizes the increasing misuse of connected devices by perpetrators to stalk, harass, and control victims. By allowing survivors to request the disabling of a perpetrator's access to these devices, the bill seeks to promote safety and independence for survivors.

Key Provisions

  • Device Protection Requests:

    • Survivors or their designated representatives can submit a device protection request to an account manager to terminate a perpetrator's access to a connected device or user account.
    • The bill defines a "survivor" as an individual who has experienced specified criminal acts or cares for someone who has.

  • Account Manager Responsibilities:

    • Upon receiving a complete device protection request, the account manager must terminate or disable the perpetrator's access within 2 business days.
    • If termination is not possible, the account manager must inform the survivor of methods to reset the device to factory settings.

  • Confidentiality and Security:

    • Information submitted by survivors must be treated as confidential and securely disposed of by the account manager and their affiliates.
    • The account manager is prohibited from providing any information about the request to the perpetrator.

  • Enforcement:

    • The bill allows for enforcement through civil penalties or injunctions by affected individuals or legal authorities against non-compliant account managers or perpetrators.
    • It expands the definition of perjury to include false statements in device protection requests.

  • Public Awareness:

    • Account managers are required to clearly outline the process for submitting device protection requests on their websites or mobile applications.

Impact

SB 50 is expected to significantly impact survivors of domestic violence by:
- Providing them with a straightforward process to regain control over their connected devices.
- Enhancing their safety by limiting the access of perpetrators to technology that could be used for harassment or control.
- Promoting awareness among technology providers about their responsibilities in safeguarding user privacy and security.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 13, 2025, and is now law.
  • It underwent several amendments and committee reviews before final approval, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the complexities of technology in domestic violence situations.

Conclusion

SB 50 represents a proactive step towards leveraging technology to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse. By empowering survivors with the ability to control access to their connected devices, the bill aims to foster a safer environment and support their journey towards independence and recovery.

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

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