PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 21, 1997
Clone Pager Authorization Act of 1996 (sic) - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the use of a clone pager (defined as a numeric display device that receives communications intended for another numeric display paging device). Directs the court to enter an ex parte order authorizing the installation and use of a clone pager for which the service provider is subject to the jurisdiction of the court if the court finds that the attorney for the Government or the State law enforcement or investigative officer has certified to the court that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Amends provisions regarding the use of pen registers and trap and trace devices to cover the use of clone pagers. Authorizes a Federal court, upon the request of an attorney for the Government or an officer of a law enforcement agency authorized to acquire and use a clone pager, to order a provider of a paging service or other person to furnish to such investigative or law enforcement officer all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the programming and use of such pager unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with the paging services provided.
People & committees
Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] · R–OH
Legislative record
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Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12059-12061)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S12059-12061)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 166.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S549)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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