Limit Encryption Of Dispatch Radio Communications

The bill requires each entity of the state government and each entity of the government of each city, county, and city and county, including special districts, (governmental entity) to broadcast its dispatch radio communications without encryption such that the communications may be monitored by commercially available radio receivers and scanners or online; except that:

• A governmental entity may encrypt all tactical radio communications or investigative radio communications so long as the encryption is necessary to preserve the tactical integrity of an operation, protect the safety of law enforcement officers or other emergency responders, or prevent the destruction of property; and
• An investigative unit of a governmental entity engaged in the investigation of criminal conduct or potential criminal conduct may encrypt its radio communications.

The bill does not restrict the encryptions of the department of corrections or the division of youth services within the department of human services.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)