Bill > HB1678

This bill, concerning contraband in penal institutions, increases the severity of penalties for certain offenses related to bringing or possessing prohibited items within correctional facilities. Specifically, it elevates the felony classification for some violations, meaning harsher punishments, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. For instance, certain acts or types of contraband that were previously classified as a Class C felony will now be a Class B felony, and those that were a Class D felony will become a Class C felony. Furthermore, if the introduction or possession of contraband, particularly involving a telecommunication device (like a cell phone), results in the death of another person, the offense will be elevated to a Class D felony, a significant increase from its previous Class E felony classification. These changes aim to deter the introduction of contraband and address the serious consequences it can have within prisons.