Bill > S1266

This bill updates the wiretap statutes in Massachusetts by comprehensively revising definitions and procedures for electronic surveillance, expanding the scope of what constitutes a "wire communication" to include modern digital technologies like smartphones and personal data assistants, and clarifying the terms and conditions under which law enforcement can legally intercept communications. The bill broadens the definition of "designated offenses" for which wiretaps can be authorized, including both organized crime-related and specific non-organized crime offenses such as murder, human trafficking, and controlled substance trafficking. It establishes stricter judicial oversight for electronic surveillance, limiting wiretap warrants to a maximum of 30 days with potential 30-day renewals, and specifying that warrants must be executed in a manner that minimizes interception of unrelated communications. The legislation also provides more detailed guidelines for executing warrants, including provisions for removing intercepting devices, handling coded or foreign language communications, and requiring technical assistance from communication service providers. The overall intent is to balance law enforcement's investigative needs with protecting citizens' privacy rights by implementing more precise and technologically current surveillance regulations.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1266