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HD 5123

A communication from the District Attorney of Berkshire County (see Section 99R of Chapter 272 of the General Laws) submitting a report relative to wiretaps for calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Transmits Berkshire County DA's 2024 wiretap report to the Legislature as a required filing; no policy changes and no further action expected this session.

Placed on file
0
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Bill Summary · HD 5123

Summary: House Document 5123 (HD 5123)

Overview

HD 5123 is a proposed Massachusetts House Document consisting of a communication from the District Attorney of Berkshire County. The communication submits a report related to wiretaps conducted in calendar year 2024, pursuant to Section 99R of Chapter 272 of the General Laws. The bill’s status is “Placed on file.”

Purpose and Intent

  • To fulfill a statutory reporting requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 272, §99R.
  • The communication serves to inform the Legislature about the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office’s use of wiretap authorities during 2024.
  • The action is a formal filing rather than a measure proposing new policy or substantive changes.

Key Provisions

  • The bill does not appear to enact new policy or allocate resources. Rather, it conveys the Berkshire County DA’s Office’s year-end wiretap report to the Legislature.
  • As a reporting document, it would (in typical practice) summarize aspects of wiretap activity required by law, which may include:
    • Number of wiretap applications and approvals issued
    • Interceptions authorized and conducted
    • Subjects, offenses involved, and duration of interceptions
    • Compliance with legal standards and protocols
    • Any relevant observations or recommendations (if included in the report)
  • The primary action codified by this bill is the transmission and formal filing of the report.

Affected Parties

  • District Attorney’s Office for Berkshire County: responsible for compiling and submitting the 2024 wiretap report.
  • Massachusetts Legislature: receives the report as part of statutory reporting requirements and may review for oversight and transparency purposes.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors in Berkshire County: indirectly affected insofar as the report reflects their use of wiretap authorities and compliance with the law.
  • Public interest: enhanced transparency regarding the use of surveillance powers.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: September 11, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: 2025-09-11 — Placed on file.
  • Status implication: The “placed on file” designation indicates no further action on this communication is anticipated within the current session; it is effectively a filing of the statutory report rather than a bill proposing new legislation.

Potential Impact

  • Provides the Legislature with official, year-specific data on wiretap activity, supporting oversight and accountability.
  • Maintains statutory transparency without proposing policy changes or new requirements.
  • Could inform future discussions about surveillance practices, resource needs, or potential legislative adjustments to reporting requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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