Bill > H73

This bill aims to amend the existing law (Chapter 272, Section 99 of the General Laws) regarding the interception of wire and oral communications. The key provisions include: 1. Expanding the definition of "crime" to include certain violent offenses, even if not committed by highly organized and disciplined groups. 2. Allowing law enforcement to use electronic surveillance devices under strict judicial supervision to investigate these violent offenses, without the need to prove they were committed by highly organized groups. 3. Defining "designated violent offenses" to include specific violent crimes listed in the bill. 4. Removing the requirement to show that normal investigative procedures have failed or are unlikely to succeed when seeking a warrant for a "designated violent offense," unlike for a "designated organized crime offense." 5. Replacing the term "designated offense" with "designated organized crime offense" or "designated violent offense" throughout the relevant sections of the law. The overall purpose of this bill is to enhance the ability of law enforcement to use electronic surveillance to investigate and address the increase in violence, including that committed by small, loosely affiliated groups, within the Commonwealth.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H73