85R6193 MEW-D
 
  By: Burton S.B. No. 480
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of an electronic recovery and access to data
  prepaid card reader to seize forfeitable property.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by adding Article 59.035 to read as follows:
         Art. 59.035.  SEIZURE OF MONEY BY ELECTRONIC RECOVERY AND
  ACCESS TO DATA PREPAID CARD READER PROHIBITED. (a) In this article:
               (1)  "Debit card" has the meaning assigned by Section
  502.001, Business & Commerce Code.
               (2)  "Electronic recovery and access to data prepaid
  card reader" means a handheld device that uses wireless
  connectivity to check the balance of a debit card or stored value
  card.
               (3)  "Stored value card" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 604.001, Business & Commerce Code.
         (b)  A law enforcement agency may not use an electronic
  recovery and access to data prepaid card reader to seize from a
  stored value card or a depository account funds that are subject to
  forfeiture under this chapter unless the seizure is authorized by  a
  search or seizure warrant.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.