Authors say bill that would outlaw using GPS to track people without their consent would protect privacy

MADISON (AP) — The authors of a bill that would outlaw using GPS to track someone without their consent are telling a legislative committee the proposal would protect people's privacy.

Rep. Adam Neylon and Sen. Jerry Petrowski, both Republicans, told the state Senate's Judiciary Committee that legislators must watch how technology is used and their bill will help prevent stalking.

Thomas Fischer, vice president of the Professional Association of Wisconsin Licensed Investigators, told the committee the bill would drive private investigators out of business.

The measure would make placing a GPS device on another person's vehicle without permission a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and $10,000 in fines. The proposal carves out exceptions for police, parents and business owners tracking their vehicles.

The Assembly passed the bill in February.