MA S1204

Amends Section 99 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws to expand electronic surveillance authority beyond organized crime investigations to include specific illegal acts where normal investigative procedures are ineffective

Prohibits secret use of electronic surveillance devices by private individuals while permitting law enforcement use under strict judicial supervision

Expands "designated offenses" eligible for wiretaps in organized crime cases to include: illegal firearms trafficking and possession, arson, assault with dangerous weapon, bribery, felony burglary, money laundering, enterprise crime, extortion, kidnapping, felony larceny, robbery, perjury, and witness intimidation

Creates new category of offenses eligible for wiretaps regardless of organized crime connection: human trafficking (sections 50-53 of chapter 265), illegal weapons trafficking, explosives or chemical/radiological/biological weapons, and civil rights violations causing bodily injury

Filed January 7, 2025 by Senator Michael O. Moore (Second Worcester); similar legislation was introduced in the 2023-2024 session as Senate No. 1075