The bill amends Section 12-5-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-5, titled "Search Warrants," to authorize judges to issue search warrants via electronic means for specific DUI-related offenses under certain conditions. It allows for warrants to be issued based on written complaints that may be transmitted electronically to authorized judicial officers. The offenses for which electronic warrants can be issued include:

1. Driving so as to endanger, resulting in death, pursuant to 31-27-1;
2. Driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious bodily injury, pursuant to 31-27-1.1;
3. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in death, pursuant to 31-27-2.2;
4. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in serious bodily injury, pursuant to 31-27-2.6.

The bill outlines procedures for the electronic communication of warrants, including the administration of oaths via telephone or other electronic methods, and requires judicial officers to electronically sign and transmit the necessary documents. It specifies that warrants cannot be issued outside of normal court hours unless there is an emergency or administrative order. The act is intended to streamline the process of obtaining search warrants for DUI-related offenses and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8088: 12-5-3