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House approves warrant requirement for electronic data

Rock1997 via Wikimedia | CC BY 2.0

The Michigan House has approved a resolution to amend the state constitution requiring law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before looking through electronic data or communications.

The House on Thursday passed the resolution 107-1 to include electronic communications under a section of the constitution protecting against unreasonable search and seizure.

It would still require passage by a two-thirds majority of the Senate as well as voter approval.

If the Senate OKs the measure, it could go before voters on the November ballot.

Resolution sponsor Rep. Jim Runestad, a Republican from White Lake, says the amendment is necessary to prevent the erosion of citizens' rights as technology advances.

Missouri approved a similar measure in 2014 with voter approval.

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