“The smuggling of cell phones into prisons has become an increasing problem in Indiana,” Sen. Arnold said. “We need to better regulate criminals who use these phones and stop them from causing further harm.”

House Bill (HB) 1256 aims to deter the trafficking of cellphones into prisons by making it a Class C felony. Individuals who are convicted of smuggling cellphones to inmates would be fined up to $10,000 while inmates found possessing cellphones would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and fined up to $5,000.

The proposal also changes trafficking of deadly weapons into a jail to make it a felony rather than a misdemeanor. In addition, Department of Correction or prison employees found convicted of trafficking cigarettes or tobacco products to an inmate would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

HB 1256 passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law and the full Senate by a vote of 49-0. The bill will now return to the House of Representatives where the author of the bill will have the opportunity to consider changes made in the Senate.

Sen. Arnold represents District 8 in the Indiana State Senate which encompasses the majority of LaPorte County including the City of LaPorte and the eastern part of Michigan City. It also includes western St. Joseph County and Davis, Oregon, Washington, Center and Jackson townships in Starke County.

For more information on Sen. Arnold, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S8.

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 NOTE: A photo of Sen. Jim Arnold can be downloaded at: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/headshots/Arnold.jpg