OLYMPIA — Police will be required to get a warrant before using a device that collects cellphone data by simulating a transmitter tower under a new law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Inslee signed House Bill 1440 Monday, and it takes effect immediately.
The measure, which restricts how law enforcement can use a “Stingray,” was introduced after the News Tribune of Tacoma reported last summer that Tacoma police had used a cell site simulator for six years without county judges knowing that the department had the device.
The new law also requires law enforcement to limit or delete certain types of information on people who aren’t targeted by a warrant but whose information is obtained from the device while gathering information on people who are targeted.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
