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Senate approves search-and-seizure bill after removing judge-notification language for new radar tech
Summary
Senate passed SB226 on search-and-seizure amendments after law-enforcement concerns removed language that would have required judges to be informed about use of a new radar-like, wall‑penetrating surveillance technology; the sponsor said warrants remain required but the judge-notification provision was cut in House amendments.
Senator Madsen presented Senate Bill 226, a package of search‑and‑seizure amendments that drew focused attention for language about a new radar‑based surveillance technology capable of detecting movement through walls. In committee the House removed provisions that would have required judges to be specifically informed when such technology was used, citing law‑enforcement opposition, and the sponsor described that change on the floor.
"This was new, potentially very invasive technology, radar based technology that allows, individuals to look through walls, basically into your home," Senator Madsen said, describing the concern that prompted the original notification language. He told the Senate the House was unable to retain the judge‑notification lines but that, on balance, the bill still "moves in the right direction" because the technology remains subject to warrant requirements.
After brief discussion the Senate concurred with the House amendments and passed SB226 by roll call; the clerk recorded the result as 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent. The sponsor characterized the finalized bill as preserving the warrant requirement while acknowledging the bill no longer required the specific judge‑notification mechanism that had been originally proposed.
