Bill · S. 1137· Senate(119-S-1137)
Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/26/2025
- Last activity
- 3/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Cotton
- Cosponsors
- - 13 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 aims to limit the authority of the Federal Communications Commission. It prevents the Commission from stopping State or Federal correctional facilities from using jamming equipment. This equipment is designed to disrupt or interfere with wireless communications. The bill allows these systems to target contraband devices or individuals held within the facility. To use such a system, facilities must follow specific requirements regarding location and notification.
Yes
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?+5
The bill expands the ability of correctional facilities to use technology to monitor and disrupt communications.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+5
The bill empowers state correctional facilities to implement jamming technology without FCC prevention.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-4
The bill facilitates the disruption of communications, which can impact speech and contact for incarcerated individuals.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?-3
The bill limits the FCC's authority to regulate signal jamming technology used in facilities.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-3
The ability to jam wireless signals can impact the privacy of electronic communications.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Prevention of contraband communication: The bill allows facilities to use jamming systems to prevent, jam, or interfere with wireless communications sent to or from a contraband device (Section 2, Subsection (b)(1)(A)).
-
Restriction of communication for individuals in custody: The system can be used to interfere with communications by or to an individual held in the facility (Section 2, Subsection (b)(1)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Requirement for State funding: If a State correctional facility operates the system, that State is responsible for paying the entire cost of the system and its operation (Section 2, Subsection (b)(2)(B)).
-
Mandatory local consultation and notification: Before a facility can implement a system, it must consult with local law enforcement and public safety officials, and also submit a notification to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (Section 2, Subsection (b)(2)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation-3Improves Internet Access-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+5Improves Freedom Of Speech-4Improves Privacy Rights-3Increases Federal Power-2
- 7/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Lindsey GrahamRepublican · South Carolina
Bill HagertyRepublican · Tennessee
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida