An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions; and, in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s laws regarding wiretapping and electronic surveillance, as well as recordings made by law enforcement officers. It clarifies the definition of ‘oral communication’ to exclude certain communications, particularly those occurring in the presence of a law enforcement officer using approved recording devices. The bill also expands the definition of ‘law enforcement officer’ to include a broader range of state and local officials with arrest powers, with specific exceptions for recording inside a private residence without consent or court approval.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the definition of ‘oral communication’ to exclude certain electronic and in-person communications.
- Defines ‘law enforcement officer’ to include a wider range of state and local officials with arrest powers.
- Specifies that law enforcement officers using approved recording devices are permitted to intercept communications during official duties.
- Establishes exceptions to recording laws, particularly regarding recording inside a private residence without consent or prior court approval.
- Updates definitions within Titles 18 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- Individuals subject to electronic surveillance
- The Department of Corrections
- Individuals residing in private residences
- Pennsylvania State Police
Notable changes
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 3019 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
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9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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