The bill amends Section 12-5-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-5, titled "Search Warrants," to authorize judges to issue electronic warrants for specific DUI offenses under certain conditions. It allows for the issuance of warrants based on written complaints that may be transmitted electronically to authorized judicial officers. The bill specifies that electronic warrants can be issued for the following offenses: driving so as to endanger resulting in death, driving so as to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury, driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in death, and driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in serious bodily injury.

The bill outlines procedures for electronic communication, including the administration of oaths via telephonic or other electronic methods that allow for real-time communication with the judicial officer. It requires that the judicial officer electronically sign the complaint, search warrant, and affidavit, and record the date and time of issuance. The signed documents must be transmitted to the applicant by reliable electronic means.

Additionally, the bill states that warrants cannot be issued outside of normal court hours unless there is an emergency or administrative order. This act aims to modernize the process of obtaining search warrants for urgent situations involving DUI offenses and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3168: 12-5-3