Local law enforcement authorities will have new powers to place wiretaps across county lines under a measure that Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law on Wednesday.

House Bill 55 updates the state’s surveillance law after a recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling restricted how wiretaps could be used. It requires a Superior Court judge to approve the wiretaps.

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller