MAYVILLE -- Cell phones could soon be confiscated from prisoners and given to veterans.
Sen. Mike Green of Mayville says the new legislation would prohibit from using or possessing cell phones. “Allowing prisoners to use cell phones is a threat to the safety of guards and the general public,” said Sen. Green. “Cell phones can be used to plan escapes and traffic drugs. I supported this reform to ensure safety by getting these phones out of the hands of convicted felons.”
If a prisoner were to be found with a cell phone, he/she could face felony charges punishable by up to five more years in prison and/or a maximum of $1,000 fines.
Under the bill, it would also be illegal for non-inmates to sell, give, or allow a prisoner to use a cell phone.
The confiscated cell phones wouldn’t just end up in the garbage. Sen. Green says the ones that are still serviceable and no longer needed for prisoner prosecution would be donated to a program called Soldiers Incorporated that provides services to veterans.
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