Committee debates bill letting parole officers restrict offenders' PO boxes and internet access

Senator Kelly presented SB199 to the Senate Judiciary Committee as a targeted tool to prevent offenders convicted of child‑related offenses from using anonymous digital tools to groom victims. The bill would authorize parole and probation officers to restrict access to post‑office boxes and electronic media (including devices that access the internet), permit the boards of pardons and paroles to require specified treatment and allow periodic polygraphs as supervision conditions. Violations were described as class C felonies in the sponsor’s summary.

Committee members pressed for clearer statutory elements and guidance on how officers would make determinations without denying rehabilitated people access to employment. Senator Smitherman and others asked what objective standards would be used and whether courts should set particular restrictions rather than leaving wide discretion to supervision officers. Representative Butler, who has worked on similar measures, emphasized polygraph and treatment components and cited instances where states adopting similar measures reported recidivism reductions.

The sponsor agreed to work with members to add specificity and safeguards—such as clearer elements for restricting employment‑related internet use and ensuring judicial review—before the bill proceeds to the floor. The committee gave the bill a favorable report with the understanding the sponsor will refine the language.