Senate bill OKs police latitude on roving wiretaps

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

April 19, 2007, 12:13AM
Senate bill OKs police latitude on roving wiretaps

By POLLY ROSS HUGHES
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN — Law enforcement could conduct surveillance on criminal or terrorist suspects via the Internet, cell phones, pagers and multiple phone lines, under a homeland security bill unanimously adopted Wednesday by the Texas Senate.

Senate Bill 11 by Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, still requires law officers to obtain a wiretap warrant from a judge in order to electronically track suspected felons, including those possibly involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, unlawful restraint and money laundering.

Unlike under current law, judges could issue roving wiretap warrants under the bill, giving police much greater latitude to track suspects.
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The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas predicted the wiretapping measure, long on law enforcement's state wish list, will face a bumpier ride and more exacting debate in the House.





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