Montana § 46-5-112 - Electronic Data Privacy -- Warrant Required -- Exceptions -- Admissibility

§ 46-5-112. Electronic Data Privacy -- Warrant Required -- Exceptions -- Admissibility

Electronic data privacy -- warrant required -- exceptions -- admissibility. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a government entity may not obtain the stored data of an electronic device without a search warrant issued by a court upon a finding of probable cause. (2) A government entity may obtain the stored data of an electronic device without a search warrant: (a) with the consent of the owner or authorized user of the electronic device; (b) for the electronic communications between a law enforcement officer using an undercover or fictitious identity for law enforcement purposes with the owner or authorized user of the electronic device; (c) in accordance with judicially recognized exceptions to warrant requirements; (d) if the owner has voluntarily and publicly disclosed the stored data; (e) if the government entity, in good faith, believes that an emergency involving danger, death, or serious physical injury to a person requires immediate disclosure of communications relating to the emergency; (f) in order to respond to the user's call for emergency services; or (g) for any electronic devices found within the confines of a correctional facility. (3) Any evidence obtained in violation of this section or 46-5-603 is not admissible in a civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding and may not be used in an affidavit of probable cause in an effort to obtain a search warrant. (4) Nothing in 46-5-111 through 46-5-113 may be construed to limit a government entity's ability to use, maintain, or store information on its own electronic devices or to disseminate information stored on its own electronic devices. (5) Sections 46-5-111 through 46-5-113 do not apply to motor carrier safety or hazardous materials programs implemented by the department of transportation for purposes of complying with federal motor carrier safety regulations.