Councillor David P. Maher said that the bill should not be rushed through the council before a “full discussion” with public safety officials and other relevant city departments.
And Galluccio added that city council had no legal authority to avoid participation in the USA PATRIOT Act.
“I want to be honest about what our powers are and what our responsibilities are as a city council,” he said.
Galluccio also said he was disappointed with the tone of the discussion at the meeting.
“I’ve heard what are very close to political statements, which is disappointing,” he said.
—Staff writer Stephanie M. Skier can be reached at skier@fas.harvard.edu.