SB23-254 Summary

• No-knock search warrants may only be issued if the affidavit establishes a credible threat to the life of any person, including peace officers executing the warrant.

• Peace officers executing search warrants must conduct the operation between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless a judge expressly authorizes another time for good cause.

• Officers must be readily identifiable as law enforcement, wear and activate body-worn cameras, and knock-and-announce their presence with adequate volume and wait time before entry, unless exceptions apply for emergency threats or authorized no-knock warrants.

• Warrantless dwelling entries require officers to wear body-worn cameras and knock-and-announce, except in emergencies threatening life or grave injury (not created by law enforcement itself) or during hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect.

• The General Assembly declared that no-knock entries can increase danger and confusion, that evidence destruction does not justify life risks, and that warrantless no-knock entry standards should match those for authorized no-knock warrants.