The California State Assembly unanimously passed a bill Monday that would require law enforcement officers to obtain a search warrant before looking through someone’s cell phone.
Currently, officers are allowed to search portable electronic devices without a warrant. State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) authored Senate Bill 914 bill to overturn that ruling. Leno argues that smart phones contain private information and records, and thus should be protected.
“This legislation will help ensure that a simple arrest – which may or may not lead to criminal charges – is not used as a fishing expedition to obtain a person’s confidential information,” Leno said.
The assembly passed the bill 68-0. California State Senate passed SB 914 earlier this summer and now awaits a signature from Gov. Jerry Brown. If signed, law enforcement making an arrest can access only access cell phone or electronic devices with a warrant.
