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House Bill 1396 |
House Author: Workman |
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Effective: 9-1-15 |
Senate Sponsor: Burton et al. |
House Bill 1396 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, Government Code, and Penal Code to prohibit a peace officer from searching the cellular phone or wireless communications device of an arrested person without a warrant and to provide for the issuance of such a warrant. The bill requires the trial of a criminal action in which the alleged victim is younger than 14 years of age to be given preference over other matters before the court and provides for the construction of certain statutes and rules involving a criminal offense or penalty. The bill updates the pecuniary thresholds used to determine the penalty grade for certain offenses against property and public administration and creates a commission to study and review certain Texas penal laws.