HB52 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Stored wire and electronic communications, transactional location records, pen registers, and trap and trace devices, federal law to be followed regarding these devices, use of such devices authorized in emergency situations relating to missing persons

Summary

HB52 would align Alabama procedures on accessing stored communications and location data with federal law and authorize emergency use of pen registers and trap-trace devices in missing-person cases.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires Alabama’s rules about access to stored wire and electronic communications, transactional location records, and the use of pen registers and trap-trace devices to follow federal law. It creates procedures for installing or using emergency pen registers, transactional location records, and trap-trace devices, under the same federal standards. It allows certain emergency disclosures, including call-identifying information that could reveal a person’s location, when an emergency is declared. An emergency can be declared for disappearances or missing persons where there is danger, and triggers the use of these devices.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors (e.g., Attorney General, district attorneys, or city attorneys) who would authorize and carry out emergency surveillance under written designation.
• Communications service providers and individuals (subscribers/customers) whose data or location information could be accessed or disclosed during emergencies, including missing persons.

Key Provisions

• Coextensive with federal law: adopt and apply procedures for access to stored wire and electronic communications and transactional records, and for installing/using pen registers or trap-trace devices, in line with federal law (18 U.S.C. Chapters 121 and 206, sections 2707-2712 and 3121-3127).
• Emergency framework: allow installation of emergency pen registers and trap-trace devices under federal law (18 U.S.C. 3125) with special written authorization by a designated official; authorize disclosure of call-identifying information; authorize emergencies for disappearances/missing persons where danger exists.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Electronic Monitoring Devices