The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would make the state’s authority to conduct wiretaps in drug-related investigation permanent, removing a sunset provision from a 2022 law.
HB137, sponsored by State Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) extends a provision that allows the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to monitor electronic communications of individuals suspected of certain felony drug offenses, including trafficking, distribution and manufacturing. The law was originally set to expire, but under the new bill, it would remain in effect indefinitely.
Under the legislation, wiretaps would still require approval from both the Alabama Attorney General and a circuit court judge before being executed. Law enforcement officials say the measure is crucial in combating large-scale drug operations and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
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