Curbs on geotracking by ignition interlock devices go to governor

A bill that would sharply limit the use of geolocation tracking with ignition interlock devices has gained provisions related to other topics.

The House re-passed HF170*/ SF347, as amended by the Senate, 129-0 Friday. The bill now goes to Gov. Mark Dayton. The sponsors are Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) and Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove).

Rep. Peggy Scott

Scott said one provision added by the Senate would make case-planning data on individuals in the statewide supervision system accessible to corrections and probation officials.

Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) outlined other provisions added by the Senate, including one that would allow defendants facing loss of driving privileges to use impairment due to prescription drugs as a defense. Another provides that when “a blood or urine test is directed pursuant to a search warrant … the person must be informed that refusal to submit to a blood or urine test is a crime.” Also, the amendments would provide for requiring search warrants for blood or urine tests and restrictions on the manner in which they are conducted.

About 10,000 people take part in the state’s ignition interlock program, requiring them to blow into a device in order to start their vehicle. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. GPS tracking of people participating in the ignition interlock program was one of the first issues tackled in the 2017 session, with a Jan. 5 informational hearing in the House Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee.