AB 1948: Interception of electronic communications.

Existing law, until January 1, 2020, requires an application for an order authorizing the interception of wire or electronic communications to be made in writing upon the personal oath or affirmation of the Attorney General, Chief Deputy Attorney General, or Chief Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Law Division, or of a district attorney or person designated to act as district attorney. Until January 1, 2020, existing law authorizes a court to issue an order authorizing interception of wire or electronic communications if the judge finds, among other things, that there is probable cause to believe an individual is committing, has committed, or is about to commit one of several offenses, including importing, possessing for sale, transporting, manufacturing, or selling certain controlled substances, as specified.

This bill would add fentanyl to the list of controlled substances for which interception of wire or electronic communications may be ordered pursuant to those provisions.