Minnesota Lawmakers Push To Block GPS Tracking

Some Minnesota lawmakers are making a bipartisan push to block GPS tracking of motorists who are required to use ignition interlock devices.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety runs the program that measures blood-alcohol levels of drunken driving offenders when they get behind the wheel. The devices also have the capability to collect GPS data.

Republican Rep. Peggy Scott of Andover chairs the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee and plans a hearing on the issue next session. Scott says equipping ignition interlock devices with GPS is “overreach” and may be unconstitutional.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports DPS spokesman Bruce Gordon said that real-time reporting offers instant notification of a user violation. But Gordon says the department does not require, use or store GPS data from the devices.