NC H148

Authorizes State Bureau of Investigation agents to install and use pen registers or trap and trace devices in emergency situations without a prior court order, with supervisor permission.

Requires agents to seek court approval within 48 hours of installation; information obtained without subsequent court approval is inadmissible as evidence in criminal prosecution unless otherwise admissible under law.

Permits emergency warrantless use in two situations: (1) immediate danger of death or serious bodily injury requiring device installation before obtaining a court order, or (2) disappearance of an individual, runaway child, or missing person in immediate danger without an apparent criminal charge.

Expands definition of "pen register" to include location data (GPS coordinates, triangulation data, distance to tower measurements) and clarifies that "location data" does not include communication contents.

Requires emergency device use to terminate immediately when information is obtained, application for court order is denied, or 48 hours have elapsed since installation, whichever occurs first; violations constitute Class 1 misdemeanor.