Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the state's Attorney General to deploy wiretaps for drug related offenses without approval from the federal government.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Attorney General to apply to a circuit judge allowing the interception of any wire or electronic communication (Sec. §20-2A-4.4.f.b).

• Specifies that only investigative officers under the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may own, install, operate and monitor a wire or electronic device used in investigations (Sec. §20-2A-2.a). 

• Specifies that a law enforcement officer may assist with wire or electronic devices as long as an investigative officer is present at all times (Sec. §20-2A-2.c).

• Requires the Alabama State Law Enforcement to perform audits on aforementioned devices (Sec. §20-2A-2.d).

• Authorizes federal agencies to use wire or electronic devices with a written approval attached to an affidavit (Sec. §20-2A-2.e).

• Authorizes the approval or extension of wire or electronic communications when the intercept may provide or has provided evidence of a felony drug offense (Sec. §20-2A-3).

• Establishes the following order for acquiring an intercept (Sec. §20-2A-4.a-1):

• An investigative officer submits a written request for an intercept to a secretary;

• If approved, the secretary submits a written request and an affidavit to the attorney general; and

• If approved, the attorney general will notify the secretary or investigative officer and apply to a judge in that district

Full Bill Text