Cellphone Jamming Reform Act

Summary#

This bill says the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may not stop a State or Federal correctional facility from operating a jamming system inside the facility. The bill defines a "jamming system" as equipment and antennas designed to disrupt, prevent, or interfere with wireless communications into, from, or within a correctional facility. The bill allows jamming of communications sent to or from contraband devices or by or to people held in the facility. It limits system operation to the facility's housing units, requires State facilities to pay the entire cost, and requires facilities to consult local law enforcement and notify the Director of the Bureau of Prisons before using a system.

What it means for you#

• Correctional facilities may install and run equipment that blocks or disrupts cell and other wireless signals inside housing units.
• If a facility is run by a State, the State must pay for the system and its operation.
• Facilities must consult local police and other public safety officials and notify the Director of the Bureau of Prisons before implementing a system.
• The FCC cannot prevent a facility from using such a system as described in the bill.

Expenses#

• The bill requires that a State correctional facility pay the entire cost of the system and its operation.
• No publicly available information on federal funding responsibility for Federal correctional facilities under this bill.
• No publicly available information on total cost estimates or budget effects.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.