Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1481

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to certain offenses regarding the possession or use of a cellular telephone by an inmate or defendant in a correctional or detention facility and to the detection and monitoring of that possession or use.

Impact

If enacted, HB1481 will amend several sections of the Penal Code, specifically detailing new offenses related to the introduction and possession of cellular phones by inmates. The bill outlines penalties for individuals who attempt to provide these devices to inmates, thereby reinforcing the legal framework surrounding inmate communication. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the detection and monitoring of such devices, enabling the Office of the Inspector General to employ technology to oversee communication within these institutions, enhancing security protocols.

Summary

House Bill 1481 aims to address the issue of cellular phones in correctional and detention facilities. Specifically, the bill relates to offenses concerning the possession or use of cellular devices by inmates or defendants housed in such facilities. The legislation emphasizes the need for stricter controls on communications devices as they pose security risks, such as enabling illegal activities from within the facilities. This reflects a broader trend in law enforcement to curb unauthorized communications that could compromise safety and order in correctional environments.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB1481 may evoke concerns regarding the balance between security measures and the rights of inmates. While supporters argue that limiting access to communication devices is essential for maintaining security, opponents might raise issues related to prisoners' rights to communication and its implications on rehabilitation. Furthermore, the bill's implementation would require substantial resources for monitoring and enforcement, possibly leading to questions about the budget and operational priorities of correctional facilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3075

Relating to the operation of an unmanned aircraft over a correctional facility or detention facility; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2849

Relating to information about available free or low-cost cellular telephones and free or low-cost cellular telephone service plans provided to residents of certain nursing and assisted living facilities.

TX HB3363

Relating to the confinement or detention of certain individuals in a county jail or other facility operated by or for the county and to the compensation to the county for the costs of that confinement or detention.

TX HB1617

Relating to notice for certain defendants regarding the unlawful possession or acquisition of a firearm or ammunition.

TX SB169

Relating to notice for certain defendants regarding the unlawful possession or acquisition of a firearm or ammunition.

TX HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1274

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB7

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

TX HB3228

Relating to the offense of prohibited substances and items in correctional facilities.

TX SB942

Relating to warrants or orders issued to obtain certain information through installation or use of global positioning system wireless device trackers, international mobile subscriber identity locators, or other devices or equipment, and to public access to law enforcement or prosecutor requests for certain related location or communication information; creating an offense.

TX HB2524

Relating to the criminal offenses for which and the circumstances under which certain communication devices may be detected and communications may be intercepted.

TX HB3759

Relating to the criminal offenses for which and the circumstances under which certain communication devices may be detected and communications may be intercepted.

TX SB786

Relating to warrants issued to obtain location information from wireless communications devices and to public access to law enforcement or prosecutor requests for certain related location or communication information.

TX HB1608

Relating to warrants or orders issued to obtain location information from wireless communications devices and to public access to law enforcement or prosecutor requests for certain related location or communication information.

TX HB2263

Relating to warrants or orders issued to obtain location information from wireless communications devices and to public access to law enforcement or prosecutor requests for certain related location or communication information.

NJ S3132

Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices.