According to Montana state legislature, a bill has been draftedto outline the stipulations associated with the collection andusage of event data recorders, or “black boxes” in automobiles.

Originally, the bill known as SB283 sought to make it mandatoryfor fraud investigators and other officials to get permission fromall vehicle owners registered in the state before gaining access tothe information on the recorder. The purpose of a black box is torecord information that can be useful in reconstructing accidents,much like the ones used on commercial airliners. They can confirmspeed and braking patterns, steering performance, and seat beltstatus, which helps forensic specialists and special investigatorsexpose staged wrecks or other auto insurance scams.

Last month, however, the bill was amended to apply to rentalvehicles only. Language in the bill also established that a rentalcar business is not required to disclose the presence of a datarecorder or navigational system if it is only using data to tracklost or stolen vehicles. However, if the rental company supplies avehicle equipped with a global positioning system or black box,they are required to inform the renter of its presence.