AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine police will have to get search warrants to gather information from cellphones including voicemails, text messages or location data under two new laws going into effect Wednesday.
Supporters say the measures are essential because the related federal law is out of date.
Police will have to show probable cause that the information they’re seeking is relevant to a criminal case, unless they can prove that waiting for a warrant will put someone’s life or safety in danger. Attorney General Janet Mills and Maine State Police opposed the bills, saying they could hamper investigations.
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