SB1030: Search and seizure of computer and contents.

SENATE BILL NO. 1030

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 8, 2013
A BILL to amend and reenact 19.2-53 of the Code of Virginia, relating to seizure and search of computers and like devices.
Patron-- Reeves

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That 19.2-53 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

19.2-53. What may be searched and seized.

Search warrants may be issued for the search of or for specified places, things or persons, and seizure therefrom of the following things as specified in the warrant:

(1) Weapons or other objects used in the commission of crime;

(2) Articles or things the sale or possession of which is unlawful;

(3) Stolen property or the fruits of any crime;

(4) Any object, thing, or person, including without limitation, documents, books, papers, records or body fluids, constituting evidence of the commission of crime. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no search warrant may be issued as a substitute for a witness subpoena.

(5) Any search warrant issued for the search and seizure of a computer, computer network, or other device containing electronic or digital information shall be deemed to include the search and seizure of the physical components and the electronic or digital information contained in any such device or network. The search of the contents of any such device or network may be done in any location and is not limited to the location where such device or network was seized.