Constitutional Amendment – ….

Constitutional

Amendment –

CR-48

Initiative would make privacy of electronic data more explicit

By KEELY LARSON Community News Service UM School of Journalism

Proponents say this year’s constitutional amendment on the ballot will update Montanans’ right to privacy for the 21st century, but opponents and analysts are wondering what, if anything, it would actually change.

The ballot initiative, C-48, would modify the privacy clause of the state constitution to include electronic data and communications explicitly, meaning police would need a search warrant to access cell phone or other electronic data.

Sen. Kenneth Bogner, R-Miles City, sponsored the bill.

After hearing from constituents concerned about data protection, Bogner s...