House Bill No. 2178 introduces new provisions regarding the emergency installation and use of mobile tracking devices on vehicles by authorized peace officers. The bill allows these officers to install and use such devices without a prior court order if they have probable cause to believe that the vehicle is involved in the commission of certain felonies and if immediate action is necessary to prevent harm or the escape of a fugitive. The bill specifies that the officer must obtain a court order within 72 hours of the device's installation, detailing the reasons for the emergency action taken.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for obtaining the court order, including the requirement for the officer to provide justifications for the necessity of the device's use without prior authorization. If the order is denied or not issued within the specified timeframe, the officer must cease using the tracking device, and any information obtained during that period cannot be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to actions taken after that date.