Rep. Fishbein Supports Bill to Limit Cellphone Tracking

State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) yesterday applauded passage of a bill to define the circumstances when law enforcement officials may use a cell site simulation device to track citizens’ cell phone signals.

HB 7291 – An Act Concerning the Use of Cell Site Simulator Devices By Law Enforcement Officials to Conduct Cellular Telephone Surveillance – places restrictions on their use while still allowing law enforcement officers to obtain geo-location data for investigative purposes. Under this bill, law enforcement officials can use the device for up to two weeks under a court-ordered ex parte order, or for 48 hours in exigent circumstances. This bill also specifies that wiretapping and electronic surveillance laws still apply to cell site simulator interceptions.

Cell site simulators are devices that use radio waves to simulate a cell tower to track a cellular phone’s movement or receive communications from cellular signals. Such devices can be used to locate, track or identify, intercept, access or obtain stored data or metadata, or affect the hardware or software of a communications device, and more.

“This bill will help protect the privacy of Connecticut residents while still allowing local and state police to identify and track the movements of people suspected of a crime under specific circumstances,” Rep. Fishbein, member of the Public Safety Committee and co-sponsor of the bill, said.  “It’s important to balance the needs of law enforcement with the privacy of our citizens and this bill provides a solid framework for police without infringing on the rights of Connecticut residents.”

The bill now awaits action in the Senate. The legislative session ends at midnight on Wednesday, June 7.