Local senator calls for updated wiretap laws

BOSTON (WWLP) -Massachusetts wiretap laws have not been updated since 1968. One local senator says he plans to file legislation to change this in the new session.

Wiretapping is the process of using a device to listen in on another person’s phone calls.

In Massachusetts, police are allowed to wiretap individuals in very specific cases that involve organized crime, and they are required to renew their permission to wiretap in court every 15 days.

Western Massachusetts Senator John Velis says this time limit makes it extremely difficult for local law enforcement to properly investigate crimes while still keeping up with wiretap renewals.

“If it weren’t so serious, it would be laughable that this has not been updated from 1968,” Velis told 22News. “From a privacy standpoint, from a civil liberties standpoint, from a technological standpoint, first and foremost, and the nature of crime has changed so profoundly.”

The senator says wiretap laws are a good example of an area in which state lawmakers need to improve.

“A nimble, efficient, agile legislature I would argue keeps up with what is going on in the world. And in this area we have woefully failed,” said Velis.

Previous efforts to pass updated wiretap laws, including an initiative led by former governor Charlie Baker, have failed in the legislature.

Still, Velis says he does not anticipate much pushback for sorely-needed updates. Governor Healey voiced her support for an update as Attorney General, but has yet to weigh in as the state’s highest official.

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