The General Law Committee of Connecticut held a public hearing on February 10, 2025, focusing on proposed legislation, HB 5162, aimed at enhancing motor vehicle data privacy for victims of domestic violence. The bill seeks to address the misuse of remote vehicle technology, which can be exploited by abusers to stalk and intimidate their victims.

During the hearing, a poignant testimony was delivered by a survivor, Miss Melendez, who shared her harrowing experience of living in fear due to her abuser's use of technology to track her movements. She emphasized that remote access technology, while potentially beneficial, can become a weapon in the hands of an abuser. Melendez described the challenges she faced while trying to escape her situation, highlighting the failures of the existing system designed to protect victims. She urged lawmakers to support the bill, stating that it is crucial for survivors to have the right to revoke an abuser's access to their vehicles without facing unnecessary obstacles.

Committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of the proposed legislation. Senator Kissel acknowledged Connecticut's leadership in addressing domestic violence issues and expressed interest in finding a balance between protecting victims and allowing responsible use of tracking technology. He raised concerns about the potential benefits of such technology for non-abusive situations, such as monitoring teenage drivers.

Representative Turco pointed out that the bill's provisions are specifically tailored to protect domestic violence survivors, requiring them to demonstrate an active restraining order to disable tracking technology. He also noted that the language of the bill was modeled after a law passed in California, which had faced challenges during its introduction.

The hearing underscored the urgent need for legislative action to safeguard victims of domestic violence from technological abuse. The proposed bill represents a significant step towards ensuring that survivors can reclaim their autonomy and safety. As the committee continues to deliberate, the outcome of this legislation could have profound implications for the lives of many individuals seeking to escape abusive situations.