Changes Made to the Patriot Act

The original Patriot Act was set to expire December 21, 2005 which was then moved to February 3, 2006 and then March 10, 2006. On March 2, 2006 the Senate voted to renew the act and on March 7, 2006, the House voted the same. The reauthorization was signed by President Bush on March 9, 2006.

Provision that would expire (from the original version)

201. Authority to Intercept Wire, Oral, and Electronic Communications Relating To Terrorism.

202. Authority to Intercept Wire, Oral, and Electronic Communications Relating To Computer Fraud and Abuse Offenses.

203 (b), (d). Authority to Share Criminal Investigation Information.

206. Roving Surveillance Authority Under The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.

207. Duration Of FISA Surveillance Of Non-United States Person Who Are Agents Of A Foreign Power.

209. Seizure Of Voice-Mail Messages Pursuant To Warrant.

212. Emergency Disclosure Of Electronic Communications To Protect Life And Limb.

214. Pen Register And Trap And Trace Authority Under FISA.

215. Access To Records And Other Items Under FISA.

217. Interception Of Computer Trespasser Communications.

218. Foreign Intelligence Information (Lower standard of evidence for FISA warrants).

220. Nationwide Service Of Search Warrants For Electronic Evidence.

223. Civil liability For Certain Unauthorized Disclosures.

224. Sunset (self-canceling).

225. Immunity For Compliance With FISA Wiretap.

Provisions that are permanent (from the original version)

203 (a), (c). Authority To Share Criminal Investigative Information.

205. Employment Of Translators By The Federal Bureau Of Investigation.

208. Designation Of Judges.

210. Scope Of Subpoenas For Records Of Electronic Communications.

211. Clarification Of Scope (privacy provisions of Cable TV Privacy Act overridden for communication services offered by cable providers, but not for records relating to cable viewing.)

213. Authority For Delaying Notice Of The Execution Of A Warrant- “Sneak And Peek”

216. Modification Of Authorities Relating To Use Of Pen Registers And Trap And Trace Devices.

219. Single-Jurisdiction Search Warrants For Terrorism.

221. Trade Sanctions.

222. Assistance To Law Enforcement Agencies.

On September 29, 2004, Section 505 was ruled unconstitutional as a violation of the First and Fourth amendment. Section 505 “allowed the government to issue ‘National Security Letters’ to obtain sensitive customer records from Internet service providers and other businesses without judicial oversight” (wikipedia). On this date, the gag provision was ruled broad and an “unconstitutional prior restraint” on free speech. (wikipedia)

July 14, 2005- allowing FBI to wiretap on terrorism suspects that may be operating on their own will expire in 2010 as approved by the House, unless it is extended by Congress.