WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) today introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act. This bill will prevent contraband cellphone use in federal and state prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems to protect inmates, guards, and the public at large.
Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff's remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives.
"Ending the outrageous use of contraband cellphones in jails and prisons is an immediate solution to reduce crime, improve public safety, and provide relief to our overwhelmed correctional systems," said Congressman Kustoff.
"Prisoners have used contraband cell phones to direct illegal activities outside prison walls, including hits on rivals, sex trafficking, drug operations, and business deals. Cellphone jamming devices can stop this but the Federal Communications Act doesn't allow facilities to use this technology. This bill would fix this problem so that criminals serve their time without posing a threat to the general public,” said Senator Cotton.
The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act has been endorsed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Council of Prison Locals.
"Only jamming will stop the illegal use of cell phones in prisons. When someone is incarcerated, they must not be permitted to remain in day-to-day contact with a criminal conspiracy on the outside. I appreciate Congressman Kustoff's tenacity as he works to protect the country from organized crime," said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
“Congress should pass the Cell Phone Jamming Reform Act now. Prisoners are using contraband to coordinate criminal activity from behind bars. We have the technology to increase security and stop this illicit activity, so let’s use it. I have heard no legitimate reason why we should enable criminals and allow convicted felons to further their criminal enterprises while incarcerated," said Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
Background:
The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public. There have been incidents nationwide including:
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kustoff-senator-cotton-introduce-cellphone-jamming-reform-act