BOSTON - Senator John Velis (D-Hampden and Hampshire) is pushing to update laws to fit with modern technology, starting with the wiretap law. 

Right now, the law requires law enforcement to get a warrant to tap the phones of suspected organized crime members. But with such a small qualification and most crime happening outside of what’s considered organized, he wants to give law enforcement more resourses to solve crime. 

“This is the most difficult thing to explain, and it's so complex. But to me, that's, like, more reason why we need to update it,” said Velis. “This stuff just doesn't make sense the way we communicate today versus in 1968.”

The law on the books was written in 1968. Velis said communication has vastly changed. It’s not just landline phones anymore but messaging, apps, cell phones, emails, video messages and more. 

Velis doesn’t want to change the warrant requirement. He says he’s concerned about civil liberties, and wants to have an open an honest discussion on Beacon Hill. 

Why would we ever, if law enforcement had a suspect in some of those most egregious, heinous crimes out there, preclude them, prevent them from getting up on a wiretap if it will help them identify and solve this crime?” said Velis. “And oh, by the way, keep the public safe in getting this person off the streets.”

Right now, the state’s highest court is reviewing a wiretapping case. Velis says he can almost guarantee whatever decision is made, the court will ask the legislature to create clearer guidance.