Bill > S1204

This bill updates the Commonwealth's wiretap statutes by modifying two key sections of the existing law. First, it clarifies the legislative findings about electronic surveillance, emphasizing that while law enforcement may use modern electronic surveillance methods under strict judicial supervision to investigate specific crimes, the uncontrolled development and unrestricted use of such devices pose significant privacy risks. The bill specifically prohibits secret use of electronic surveillance devices by private individuals. Second, the bill expands the definition of "designated offense" to include a broader range of criminal activities. The expanded list now includes offenses related to organized crime (such as firearms trafficking, arson, bribery, and money laundering) as well as additional serious crimes not necessarily connected to organized crime (like human trafficking, illegal weapons trafficking, and civil rights violations causing bodily injury). These changes are designed to provide law enforcement with more comprehensive tools to investigate serious criminal activities while maintaining judicial oversight and protecting citizens' privacy rights.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1204