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SB 1054

Tampering with an Electronic Monitoring Device

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ileana Garcia and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1054 criminalizes tampering with electronic monitoring devices, establishing felony charges to penalize attempts to remove or disable court-ordered supervision technology.

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 437 (Ch. 2025-78)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1054

Legislative bill overview

SB 1054 creates criminal penalties for tampering with, removing, or disabling electronic monitoring devices used in criminal justice supervision. The bill establishes specific offense categories with varying felony levels depending on the device type and circumstances of tampering.

Why is this important

Electronic monitoring is increasingly used as an alternative to incarceration for pretrial release, probation, and parole supervision. Tampering undermines public safety oversight and law enforcement's ability to track individuals under supervision. This bill addresses a growing enforcement gap by explicitly criminalizing conduct that was previously difficult to prosecute.

Potential points of contention

  • Felony severity: Creating new felonies for device tampering may result in increased felony convictions and longer criminal records, potentially affecting employment and housing prospects for offenders
  • Technical ambiguity: "Tampering" could be interpreted broadly—questions remain about whether accidental damage, device malfunctions, or legitimate repair attempts could trigger criminal liability
  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that criminalizing tampering creates disproportionate penalties compared to the underlying offense the person was originally supervising for, particularly for non-violent offenders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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