Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to extend California’s wiretapping “sunset” date for an additional five years was unanimously approved 75 to 0 on the Assembly floor late Tuesday.
“With the evolution of the digital age, lawbreakers have become more clever and better organized, especially when it comes to drug and arms trafficking,” stated Assemblymember Holden. “That’s why it’s so important that law enforcement officials have an equally sophisticated response. By extending the sunset date, we’ll give our law enforcement teams additional tools to keep our communities safe.”
California’s wiretap statute is set to expire on January 1, 2015. According to a report released by the California Attorney General’s office, approximately 700 electronic interceptions were approved in 16 counties resulting in some 961 arrests were made in 2012. In San Diego County alone, approved intercepts resulted in the seizure of more than $1.3 million worth of drugs and the arrests of more than 50 suspects.
AB 1526 received unanimous, bipartisan support and has no opposition.
