SD 211 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act updating the wiretap statutes in the commonwealth

This bill (SD 211) updates Massachusetts wiretap laws to clarify when law enforcement may use electronic surveillance. It requires judicial oversight for intercepting communications related to specific serious crimes, including both organized crime offenses (like firearms trafficking and extortion) and non-organized violent crimes (such as murder, rape, and human trafficking). The bill defines "wire communication" broadly to cover modern devices like smartphones while exempting body cameras worn by officers and vehicle cameras during traffic stops. It also prohibits private citizens from secretly using surveillance devices and specifies that law enforcement must limit surveillance to designated offenses under court supervision.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor