Pielli’s wiretap bill heads to governor’s desk

H.B. 1278 would extend Pennsylvania Wiretap Act

Rep. Chris Pielli    December 13, 2023 | 12:05 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, announced today that his legislation (H.B. 1278) to extend the expiration date and improve Pennsylvania’s wiretap law has passed the state House of Representatives and state Senate and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.

 

House Bill 1278 would extend the expiration date of the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act to Dec. 31, 2029. The law was set to expire at the end of 2023.

The bill also would amend the current definition of “oral communication” in the law to remove restrictions on conversations made in the presence of a state parole officer and Department of Corrections police officers.

The bill was the product of bipartisan support to include an amendment by state Rep. Tim Bonner, R-Mercer/Butler, that would remove previously prohibited recordings of predatory telemarketers.

“Renewing and improving the wiretap act is an extremely important crimefighting measure.” Pielli said. “I thank my colleagues in the legislature who helped pass this bill quickly to ensure that this crucial law continues to aid our law enforcement authorities.”

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