Bill > S1574

This bill amends the Stored Communications Act to include Tribal courts as courts of competent jurisdiction for obtaining electronic communication records and communications. The legislation expands the definition of key terms like "governmental entity" and "Tribal court" to explicitly recognize Tribal courts' authority to issue search warrants for electronic communications. Specifically, the bill allows Tribal courts to use their own warrant procedures (as outlined in the Indian Civil Rights Act) when requesting electronic communication records from service providers, giving them the same legal standing as federal, state, and military courts. The changes apply to electronic communications stored for 180 days or less, communications stored for more than 180 days, and provisions related to delayed notice and civil actions. The bill also updates language in several sections of the U.S. Code to include "Tribal" alongside federal and state references, effectively ensuring that Tribal courts have equivalent legal mechanisms for accessing electronic communication evidence. This legislation aims to provide Tribal courts with consistent and standardized legal pathways to obtain electronic communications during criminal investigations, recognizing the judicial authority of federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1574/all-info