PENNSYLVANIA — State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, has announced the passage this week of his legislation, House Bill 1278, through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill aims to extend the expiration date of the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act to Dec. 31, 2029. The law was previously set to expire at the end of 2023.
In addition to the extension, House Bill 1278 proposes an amendment to the current definition of “oral communication” in the law. The amendment seeks to remove restrictions on conversations made in the presence of a state parole officer and Department of Corrections police officers.
State Rep. Tim Bonner, R-Mercer/Butler, added an amendment to the bill that will remove prohibitions on recordings of predatory telemarketers.
Pielli, a former attorney and correctional officer, highlighted the importance of the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act in aiding prosecutors in obtaining critical evidence for cases. He stated, “As a former attorney and correctional officer, I understand the benefits of utilizing this comprehensive statutory scheme. In an era of increasingly complex communications, this bill will provide the necessary guard rails of judicial oversight for both the accused and accuser.”
The bill now moves forward to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 1278 aims to amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for exceptions to prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications, providing for public access and for Department of Corrections retention policy and further providing for expiration of chapter.
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