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State police urge 15-day GPS warrant window; committee holds bill to study extension process
Summary
Senate Bill 617 would set a presumptive duration for GPS-based tracking warrants; state police urged a 15-day monitoring period with a process to extend for good cause. The committee held the measure for further study.
Senate Bill 617, presented March 25, would set a statutory period during which a GPS tracking device search warrant remains valid and provide a procedure to extend monitoring for good cause.
Mark Albaum, representing state police and the Department of Public Safety, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Rhode Island law does not specifically address GPS monitoring durations following court authorization. He urged a 15-day monitoring period, noting neighboring states use 15–30 day benchmarks and federal wiretap rules allow 45 days. "I would ask that you consider allowing a 15 day monitoring period of a global positioning device after the initial search warrant is approved and executed," Albaum said, adding that repeated one-week renewals often create a “paper chase” for investigators.
The public defender’s office provided written-only testimony raising concerns, and committee members questioned how often investigators must reapply for warrants; Albaum estimated that investigators are reupping for at least one week "in the 90% range" of investigations. After questioning, the committee voted to hold the bill for further study.
Why it matters: Defining the duration for court-authorized electronic location monitoring balances investigative needs against privacy concerns; a statutory rule would offer clarity for judges and law enforcement while legislative carve-outs may be required to protect civil liberties.
Outcome: Senate Bill 617 held for further study.
