HB 3111
AN ACT relating to the search of certain wireless communications devices
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Prohibits peace officers from searching a person's cellular telephone or wireless communications device during a lawful arrest without first obtaining a warrant. The legislation protects individuals' digital privacy by requiring law enforcement to seek judicial approval before accessing personal electronic devices, even when someone has been arrested. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to all wireless communications devices, specifically excluding devices classified as skimmers.
Bill Text
relating to the search of certain wireless communications devices BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Article 18.0215(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, (a) A peace officer may not search a person's cellular telephone or other wireless communications device, pursuant to a lawful arrest of the person without obtaining a warrant under this article. A wireless communications device does not include a skimmer as defined by Section 607.001, Business & Commerce Code. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Expert Lobbyists for This Bill
These lobbyists specialize in Law Enforcement and related subject areas.
Robert D. Miller
Haley Cornyn
Allen E. Blakemore
Michael J. Johnson
Vera Denise Rose
Gavin L. Massingill
Leslie Pardue
Fred Shannon
Sarah Hicks
Matthew Bentley
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the search of certain wireless communications devices
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