California courts and tech firms can't aid probes of First Amendment activity
Exercising First Amendment rights joins protected health care on the list of activities California courts can't issue wiretap, pen register or search orders to investigate. California tech companies also can't hand over records for such probes under federal court orders, not just other states'.
Who it affects
California courts, police and tech companies that hold customer data
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California AB 2631: Criminal procedure: prohibited violations.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.