logout

Store Research

SENATE BILL 176 (FARR – 1957)

CHAPTER 1879, STATUTES OF 1957 - SB 176

Some bill research does not include the Governor's file because at the time we researched the bill, the sitting Governor had not released his chaptered bill file. If the Governor's file is not included with this particular research, please contact our office (1-530-666-1917 or quote@legintent.com) and we will be happy to provide this file at no charge if it is available. Please Note: Governor files did not exist prior to 1943.

As enacted iin 1957, Senate Bill 176 was a single-section bill that added Penal Code section 653i, relating to eavesdropping on confidential communications.  (See Exhibit #1d)  This measure was introduced on January 9, 1957 by Senator Fred S. Farr.  (See Exhibit #1a)  Senator Fred S. Farr represented Monterey, the 25th District.  (See Exhibit #4, page 49)

Senate Bill 176 was assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Assembly Committee on Judiciary where policy issues raised by the bill were considered.  (See Exhibit #2)  Two amendments were made to Senate Bill 176.  (See Exhibits #1b, #1c and #2)  Subsequent to legislative approval, Governor Goodwin J. Knight signed Senate Bill 176 on June 20, 1957, and it was recorded by the Secretary of State on July 6, 1957 as Chapter 1879 of the Statutes of 1957.  (See Exhibits #1d and #2)

A synopsis of the provisions of Senate Bill 176 as enacted is found in the 1957 Summary Digest of Statutes Enacted, which states:

Makes it a felony for person, without permission from all parties to the conversation, to eavesdrop on or record, by means of an electronic or other device, a conversation or part thereof, between person who is in physical custody of law enforcement officer or other public officer, or who is on property of public agency, and such person’s attorney, religious advisor, or licensed physician, but contains exception for acts of employees of telephone or telegraph company testing or servicing equipment.
(See Exhibit #6, page 17)