JEFFERSON CITY — Today (4-3), by a vote of 31-1, Senate Joint Resolution 27, sponsored by Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, was voted third read finally and passed. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.

SJR 27 proposes a change to the state constitution that a person's electronic communication and data are protected from unreasonable search and seizure performed by the government.

“SJR 27 is a top priority for me this legislative session,” said Sen. Schaaf. “It is essential to our freedoms and liberty that the laws of this state have provisions in place protecting the privacy of its citizens. As technology continues to advance and concerns grow regarding government intrusion in the digital age, this proposed amendment would bring our state constitution into the 21st Century.”

The legislation also provides that before a search warrant can be issued there must be a description of the data or communication that is being sought and probable cause must be shown.

To read more about Sen. Schaaf’s legislation, visit www.senate.mo.gov/schaaf.