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 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill requires the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office to submit its 2025 annual wiretap report to the Legislature, ensuring transparency and compliance with Section 99R of

Placed on file

Bill Overview

Jurisdiction: Massachusetts

Session: 194th

Bill: HD 6064

Title: 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 2025

Action history: Placed on file (May 26, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

The bill transmits the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office annual report regarding wiretap activities for the calendar year 2025.

It references and adheres to Section 99R of Chapter 272 of the General Laws, which governs the reporting and oversight of wired communications interceptions by district attorneys’ offices in Massachusetts.

The primary purpose is transparency and statutory reporting compliance, ensuring the public and the Legislature are informed about the use, scope, and results of wiretap operations within the Northwestern District.

Key Provisions and Changes

Submission of Annual Report: The bill requires the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office to submit its 2025 annual report on wiretaps.

Content Benchmark: While the specific contents of Section 99R are not enumerated in the summary, typical annual wiretap reports include:

Number of wiretaps authorized and executed
Duration and scope of interceptions
Subjects and types of offenses involved
Nondisclosure and privacy considerations
Outcomes such as arrests, indictments, or convictions resulting from the wiretaps
Any legal challenges or suppressed interceptions

Procedural Compliance: The bill formalizes the act of reporting as a legislative document, ensuring the report is filed in accordance with statutory requirements.

Who/What is Affected

Northwestern District Attorney’s Office: Primary entity responsible for conducting wiretap operations within its jurisdiction and for preparing the annual report.

General Public and Legislature: Recipients of the annual report, which supports oversight, transparency, and informed policymaking regarding wiretap practices.

Individuals and Organizations Involved in Investigations: Those who may be subject to wiretap orders and interceptions during 2025 within the Northwestern District’s geographic area.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Timing: The bill centers on the 2025 calendar year report; the action history indicates the measure was placed on file on May 26, 2026.

Compliance Path: By placing the bill on file, the Legislature acknowledges receipt and initiates the standard reporting process required under Section 99R of Chapter 272.

Next Steps: The report would typically be compiled by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and submitted to the Legislature and relevant oversight bodies in accordance with statutory deadlines.

Additional Notes

The bill functions primarily as a formal conduit for the mandated annual disclosure of wiretap activity, rather than introducing new statutory changes or authorities.

Given the reliance on Section 99R of Chapter 272, the substantive content and scope of the report are determined by existing statutory framework for wiretap oversight in Massachusetts.