HB 8119 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- WARRANTLESS PURCHASES OF PERSONAL DATA -- THE 4TH AMENDMENT IS NOT FOR SALE ACT

HB 8119 prohibits state law enforcement agencies and other entities from purchasing personal data without a warrant for any criminal, civil, or investigatory activity. It directly affects government agencies that might otherwise buy location records, browsing history, or other sensitive personal information from third-party data brokers. The bill’s key provision requires a court-issued warrant before any agency can obtain such data, aligning with Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. This applies to all enforcement actions, including investigations into crimes or civil matters, without exception.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2026 Last action Mar 24, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
03/24/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Feb 27, 2026
Introduced
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors