Committee adopts amendments to bar warrantless law-enforcement access to smart-home device data

The Committee heard SB 888 SD2 on March 18, 2026, a consumer-protection bill that would stop operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law-enforcement agencies unless users consent or law enforcement obtains a judicial order. The measure would also prohibit operators from conditioning device use on consenting to data sharing with law enforcement.

Dominic Ching of the State Office of Consumer Protection summarized the office's written comments and stood available for questions. Christine Andrews, a constitutional observer and know-your-rights educator from Maui, testified in support and described fears in immigrant communities that doorbell and other home cameras could be used to surveil residents and undercut Fourth Amendment protections.

Committee members asked whether language modeled on Illinois law would strengthen the bill. The committee adopted an amendment to include limited law‑enforcement access in clear and present danger situations, with refined terms of art to avoid overly broad exceptions. The committee removed duplicative UDAP penalty language and limited private causes of action in the bill text as drafted in committee action.

What happens next: SB 888 SD2 moves forward with amendments to refine law-enforcement exceptions and statutory cleanup. The committee considered the Illinois model a suitable template for narrowly defined exigent circumstances.

Quote: "The fear is now that people's Ring cameras will essentially be turned against them," said Christine Andrews, a know-your-rights educator.