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Senate approves bill extending GBI subpoena authority for cyber-enabled threats
Summary
The Senate passed a bill expanding the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s authority to use administrative subpoenas for certain electronic communications and cyber-enabled threats, including tools to investigate swatting and related threats.
On March 20 the Senate adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 161 to clarify and extend the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) authority to issue administrative subpoenas for electronic communications and records related to cyber-enabled threats. The move followed a summary that cited recent swatting incidents affecting several members of the Senate.
Supporters described HB 161 as a targeted tool to pursue malicious actors who use electronic communications to threaten life, property, or critical infrastructure. Floor debate was limited; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed by recorded vote (48–4).
The bill does not expand the GBI’s original jurisdiction beyond existing law but provides an investigative mechanism to obtain electronic records from service providers for certain offenses. Implementation details will rely on GBI procedures and, as appropriate, judicial and provider cooperation.
