Alabama House Bill 17, also known as the 'Agent Billy Clardy III Act', will give local law enforcement the power to "intercept any wire or electronic communication" with the approval of the Alabama Attorney General and a circuit court judge when an individual "is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a felony drug crime".

The problem with this bill is the abuse of powers that may result. Right now, local law enforcement must work with a federal agency in order to carry out wiretaps. This legislation will enable law enforcement to wiretap individuals without requiring approval from a federal agency. While this legislation does require a circuit court judge's authorization, a judge will make a ruling as an ex parte intercept order. This means that the individual targeted by the police will have no legal representation when a judge rules on whether to authorize the wiretapping.

The bill does include language to allow those wrongly wiretapped to pursue compensation in civil courts. However, an individual who is wrongly wiretapped has no way to know they were.

Moreover, this bill, if it becomes law, would serve to add a tool to police departments' arsenal for the "war on drugs". A war that has disproportionately impacted people of color in the United States.  

For these reasons, HB17 is an infringement on our civil liberties, and we, as Alabamians, must stand against it.

Contacting your state representatives is the most effective way to elicit change on this matter. You can find the contact information of your state representative and state senator to contact about your opposition to HB17 by entering your address here

You can find the full text of the bill here