BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2645

By: Blanco

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that current law does not adequately provide for the prudent arrest of a suspect who has removed or attempted to remove a global positioning monitoring system, also known as an ankle monitor. The parties further contend that criminalizing the removal or attempt to remove an ankle monitor would deter suspects from tampering with their monitors and protect victims of family violence, sexual assault or abuse, and stalking. In an effort to assist law enforcement in arresting domestic violence offenders who have violated their bond condition by removing or attempting to remove their GPS ankle monitors, H.B. 2645 amends the law providing for the related offense.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2645 amends the Penal Code to expand the conduct that constitutes the offense of violating certain court orders or conditions of bond in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, or stalking case to include knowingly or intentionally removing or attempting to remove a global positioning monitoring system.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.