Rhode Island House Bill H5566

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Pen Registers And Trap And Trace Devices

Impact

The bill modifies existing provisions around electronic surveillance to increase oversight and control over law enforcement's access to communication data. By mandating court approval for the use of invasive surveillance technologies like stingrays, HB 5566 enhances the protection of individual privacy rights against potential overreach by authorities. This legislative adjustment not only reflects a response to public concerns regarding surveillance but also aligns with general trends nationally regarding the need for accountability in law enforcement practices.

Summary

House Bill 5566 focuses on amending current laws pertaining to the usage of pen registers and trap and trace devices by law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island. Specifically, it requires that any request for the installation of a stingray device, which simulates cell towers to gather data from nearby mobile devices, must be accompanied by a court order issued by a presiding justice. This measure aims to reinforce legal protections regarding privacy and the conditions under which electronic surveillance can occur, addressing growing concerns about unauthorized monitoring by law enforcement.

Contention

While proponents of HB 5566 argue that the increased restrictions on the use of stingray devices will protect civil liberties, there may be contention surrounding the practicality of these changes. Critics might express concern that additional legal hurdles could impede law enforcement's ability to act quickly in critical situations where immediate access to communication data is essential for public safety. The balance between effective law enforcement and individual privacy rights is likely to be a point of debate as the bill is discussed in legislative committees.