HB14 Summary

• Establishes Chapter 2A of Title 20 (Agent Billy Clardy III Act) to authorize the Alabama Attorney General to apply for court orders authorizing wiretapping and interception of wire or electronic communications in felony drug offense investigations.

• Limits interception authority to specified felony drug offenses under Article 5, Section 13A-12-201 et seq., with initial orders not exceeding 30 days and extensions limited to 30 days each.

• Requires investigative officers to submit written requests through the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, with the Attorney General determining whether to pursue court authorization from circuit court judges.

• Mandates recording of intercepted communications on sealed devices, prohibits destruction for 10 years following order expiration, and restricts disclosure to law enforcement purposes or court proceedings with proper notice to affected parties.

• Establishes civil liability for unauthorized interception, disclosure, or use (including actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees) and creates Class C felony penalty for knowing and intentional violation of device possession or operation restrictions.