Relating to the offenses for which the use of wire, oral, or electronic interception devices may be authorized.
Impact
The implications of HB 2310 extend into the realm of criminal justice and law enforcement. By narrowing the scope of offenses for which interception can be authorized, the bill enhances protection for personal privacy while enabling law enforcement to effective investigate serious criminal activities. This change could lead to fewer unauthorized surveillance actions, thus addressing concerns over potential abuses of power by authorities in gathering evidence.
Summary
House Bill 2310 addresses the offenses for which the use of wire, oral, or electronic interception devices may be authorized. It revises existing legislation to clarify the circumstances under which judges may issue orders for such interceptions, specifically stating that a prosecutor must demonstrate probable cause. This refinement aims to ensure that interception is primarily used to gather evidence of serious crimes, thereby enhancing the legal framework around surveillance and wiretapping in Texas.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 2310 appears to be largely supportive among law enforcement agencies and legal experts, who view the bill as a necessary update to existing law that balances the need for crime prevention with the rights of individuals. However, there may be concerns regarding its confines, as some civil liberties advocates could express apprehension about the potential for misuse and the overarching implications of government surveillance.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include debates on the balance between public safety and personal privacy. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to streamline interception procedures, it could inadvertently enable broader surveillance practices if the definition of serious offenses is interpreted too widely. Conversely, proponents are likely to argue that the bill provides essential safeguards that respect personal privacy while equipping law enforcement agencies with necessary tools to combat crime effectively.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited and to certain consequences on conviction of certain offenses.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited, to certain consequences on conviction of certain of those offenses, and to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.