H1904
An Act relative to criminal investigations
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow law enforcement officers to record conversations during certain criminal investigations. It seeks to authorize the use of audio recording devices to gather evidence. The bill is currently under consideration by the Massachusetts legislature’s Judiciary Committee. The goal is to provide a tool for investigators to effectively gather information and build cases.
Key provisions
- Authorizes the recording of conversations during criminal investigations.
- Permits law enforcement officers to utilize audio recording devices.
- Requires adherence to existing legal standards regarding warrants and privacy.
- Currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- Criminal defendants
- The public (potentially, due to increased surveillance)
Notable changes
- Currently, audio recording of conversations during investigations is subject to specific legal requirements and potential warrant limitations.
- This bill would potentially modify those requirements, expanding the circumstances under which recording is permitted.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael J. Moran
Cosponsor
Michael J. Moran
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1904 194th (Current)
An Act relative to criminal investigations
By Representative Michael J. Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1904) of Michael J. Moran relative to authorizing the recording of conversations during certain investigations. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Michael J. Moran
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1904
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-09:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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