HB 18-1061 Summary

• Requires state and local government entities to broadcast dispatch radio communications without encryption so they can be monitored by commercial radio receivers and scanners.

• Allows encryption of tactical radio communications and investigative radio communications only when necessary to preserve tactical integrity, protect officer safety, or prevent property destruction.

• Requires government entities that encrypt any dispatch communications to publicly disclose their radio channels, channel functions, and which channels are encrypted on their websites.

• Creates civil standing for any person to sue sheriffs, police chiefs, fire chiefs, or other government administrative heads in district court for unlawful encryption of dispatch communications.

• Makes it a class 3 misdemeanor to monitor dispatch radio communications for the purpose of committing, attempting to commit, or assisting in criminal activity.