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HD 4291

A communication from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (see Section 99R of Chapter 272 of the General Laws) submitting its annual report relative to wiretaps for calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Northwestern DA reports zero wiretap warrants in 2024; a compliance filing under GL ch. 272, §99R, submitted to MA House/Senate clerks and placed on file.

Placed on file
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4291

Summary: HD 4291 — Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Annual Report on Wiretap Interceptions for 2024

Overview

HD 4291 is a communication from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office transmitting its annual report on wiretap interceptions for calendar year 2024, pursuant to General Laws Chapter 272, § 99R. The document confirms the 2024 activity (or lack thereof) related to wiretap warrants for the Northwestern District. The bill status is “Placed on file.”

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Legislative action: Placed on file on January 29, 2025
  • Report year: 2024
  • Office submitting: Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (Northwestern District)

Purpose and Intent

  • To comply with statutory reporting requirements under General Laws Chapter 272, § 99R.
  • To inform the Massachusetts General Court and the public about the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office’s use of wiretap authorities for the prior calendar year.
  • In this instance, to document that no wiretap warrants were sought during 2024.

Key Provisions and Content

  • The core finding: There were no applications made for wiretap warrants during 2024 for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
  • Submissions include:
    • Letter dated January 16, 2025, submitted to:
    • Timothy Carroll, House Clerk (House of Representatives)
    • Michael Hurley, Senate Clerk (Senate)
    • Signatories: Steven E. Gagne, First Assistant District Attorney; David E. Sullivan, District Attorney
  • The communication is framed as a formal annual report required by law, rather than a proposed change to statute or policy.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary: Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (reporting entity) and the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate (receivers of the report).
  • Indirect: Public and other stakeholders who rely on transparency about law-enforcement wiretap activity.
  • Impact: No change in law or procedure; the report provides a factual record for 2024 indicating zero wiretap applications.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Report submitted to legislative clerks: January 16, 2025 (date on the letter).
  • Introduced in the Legislature as HD 4291: January 29, 2025.
  • Status: Placed on file (no further legislative action indicated in the summary).

Context

  • General Laws Chapter 272, § 99R requires annual reporting on wiretap interceptions or interceptions-related activity. This filing confirms compliance for the Northwestern District for 2024 and shows no wiretap warrants were sought that year. The document does not propose amendments or additional authority; it is a compliance and transparency submission.

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

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