Bill > HB1644

This bill brings forward and clarifies existing Mississippi law regarding the use of "pen registers," which are devices that record outgoing phone numbers and the date, time, and duration of incoming communications, and "trap and trace devices," which identify the originating number of a communication. It allows attorneys for the Bureau of Narcotics to apply to a circuit court for permission to use these devices, along with "caller ID" services (which identify the originating number or subscriber), to gather information for ongoing investigations into felony violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law. The application must be in writing, under oath, and demonstrate probable cause that the devices will be material to the investigation. If probable cause is found, a judge can order a communications common carrier (like a phone company) to provide the necessary assistance, for which they are entitled to compensation. These orders are valid for up to 30 days and can be extended for similar periods. Applications and orders are sealed and their disclosure is restricted, with unauthorized disclosure punishable as contempt of court. The Director of the Bureau of Narcotics must also report annually on the number of applications and orders granted. This act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1644.xml