Texas House Passes Two Bills by Carter Aiding Law Enforcement

April 27, 2011

(AUSTIN, TX) – Representative Stefani Carter (R-Dallas) passed two bills on the House floor today.  This legislation has significant implications for Carter’s district and the State of Texas, and the Representative is proud to have authored these bills.

House Bill 1029 requires burglary felony defendants who have been previously convicted two or more times to wear GPS ankle monitors as a condition of release on bond.  “Having an electronic monitor for repeat offenders will aid law enforcement in tracking these defendants while they await trial,” said Carter.  “Property crime is a huge problem in Dallas County, and this bill will not only serve as a deterrent for repeat offenders, but it will also save money in the long run.”

House Bill 976 enables law enforcement officers to appear before a judge through electronic means, such as videoconferencing, in an effort to expedite the issuance of a warrant or summons.  Carter worked with local Dallas County officials in drafting this legislation and noted, “Law enforcement officers have already begun to use this technology to better serve and protect the public.  This bill simply gives them another tool to continue those efforts.”

Both bills will now be sent to the Senate for approval.  Once the Senate favorably votes on the bills, they will be sent to Governor Perry to be signed into law.

H.B. 976 and H.B. 1029 are just two of numerous bills that Carter either authored or joint authored that have already passed out of the House.  “I am proud of what we have accomplished so far and look forward to the weeks ahead.”

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