Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3228 by Madden (Relating to the offense of prohibited substances and items in correctional facilities. ), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Human Resources Code related to the offense of prohibited substances and items in correctional facilities. The bill defines the term “component” relating to cellular telephones or other wireless communications device for the offense of prohibited substances and items in correctional facilities. The bill specifies conditions to be met when someone commits an offense related to the transfer of a cellular telephone or wireless communication device to someone in the custody of a correctional facility. The bill would allow the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Youth Commission to purchase and operate equipment to intercept electronic communications within their respective institutions. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2009.
It is assumed that the cost to implement the provisions of the bill would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.