Relating to the monitoring of the Internet access of certain sex offenders placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Impact
The bill enforces strict conditions on sex offenders who meet certain criteria, such as having committed specific offenses or having been assigned a higher risk level based on judicial assessments. Under this bill, if a court grants community supervision to a qualifying offender, it must prohibit internet usage for accessing obscene materials or social networking sites, and communicating concerning sexual relations with individuals younger than 17. Regular inspections of electronic devices will also be mandated to ensure compliance with these conditions. This legislative change signifies a proactive approach to monitoring offenders and aims to reduce recidivism through structured oversight.
Summary
House Bill 1645 relates to the monitoring of internet access for certain sex offenders who are placed under community supervision, released on parole, or under mandatory supervision. The bill amends existing laws to impose specific restrictions on individuals required to register as sex offenders under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It establishes conditions that prohibit these offenders from using the Internet in certain ways, primarily to avoid potential risks related to victimization, particularly concerning minors. This aims to enhance the safety of communities by limiting the access of sex offenders to online platforms that could lead to harmful interactions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1645 include concerns about the balance between public safety and the civil liberties of offenders. Advocates argue that stringent internet monitoring is necessary to protect potential victims, particularly vulnerable populations, while critics express the view that such measures may impede the rehabilitation efforts of offenders attempting to reintegrate into society. The implementation of such restrictions raises questions about privacy rights and whether restrictions detract from the goal of reducing crime by fostering an adversarial relationship between offenders and law enforcement.
Date_enacted
September 1, 2013
Legislative_history
The bill passed the Third Reading in the House on May 4, 2013, with an overwhelming majority of 137 yeas and no nays, reflecting a strong bipartisan support for enhanced monitoring of sex offenders.
Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of indecency with a child and sexual assault and to a child safety zone applicable to a person on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision for certain sexual offenses.
Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility, to certain conditions of bail and community supervision, and to the early termination of community supervision and the dismissal and discharge of deferred adjudication community supervision.
Relating to the execution of a warrant issued for certain releasees who violate a condition of parole or mandatory supervision related to the electronic monitoring of the releasee.
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.
Relating to the monitoring of the Internet access of certain sex offenders placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Relating to restrictions on the use of the Internet by sex offenders and to the reporting, collection, and exchange of information regarding those offenders; providing a civil penalty.