St. Paul, Minn. – On Monday, a bipartisan pair of legislators joined together to announce plans to change the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) ability to track the location of ignition interlock devices. The proposed legislation would prohibit location tracking via ignition interlock systems and clarify DPS’ customary rulemaking process.
“The state should not be in the business of tracking Minnesotans,” said House Civil Law and Data Practices Chair, Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover. “Our proposal would limit DPS’ ability to track those with ignition interlock devices, and limit the state’s authority to install similar – potentially unconstitutional – policies.”
The use of tracking devices was not authorized by the legislature, rather, came about due to DPS’ rulemaking authority.
“The speed at which technology like this is emerging and being utilized by government highlights the need for full disclosure when programs like this are expanded,” Rep. John Lesch, DFL-St. Paul, the lead DFLer on the Civil Law Committee said. “Use of GPS technology can go well beyond verifying proper use of an interlock device, and I look forward to the Legislature giving this proper vetting.”