Assembly passes bill requiring warrants for most access to electronic communications

The Assembly approved a measure intended to modernize warrant rules for electronic communications, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant for most access to personal electronic data and placing reporting obligations on agencies and the attorney general’s office. The bill passed 97–51.

Sponsor Mister Dinowitz (the bill’s floor sponsor) said the measure brings warrant standards into the modern era and protects constitutional privacy rights as more information moves into electronic form. "We're in a different world now," he said on the floor, urging protections for data comparable to traditional evidence rules.

Members pressed the sponsor on practical questions. Assemblymember Moreno asked whether the measure would prevent law enforcement from checking phone pings to locate potential suspects; supporters and the sponsor said the bill does not eliminate necessary investigative tools but requires warrants for most after‑the‑fact access and includes limited emergency exceptions when there is an imminent danger of death or serious injury. The sponsor said emergency access may be used but a warrant should be obtained afterward within statutory timeframes.

The debate also covered reporting and transparency: the bill requires annual reporting by agencies that use the procedure and directs the attorney general to publish reports about warrant requests where a target is not identified, with limited redaction authority for personal identifying information and investigative sensitivity. Some former prosecutors and law enforcement supporters warned the measure could generate administrative burdens and possible delays in high‑risk investigations; sponsors said civil remedies and court review mechanisms are part of the balance between privacy and public safety.

The bill was recorded as passed and will take effect immediately per the text read on the floor.