HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has joined a bipartisan coalition of 26 state attorneys general in urging Congress to pass federal legislation that would allow states to deploy cell phone jamming technology in correctional facilities. The effort centers on H.R. 2350 and S. 1137, proposed bills that aim to address the widespread problem of contraband cell phones in prisons, which are often used illegally to direct criminal activities both inside and outside the prison system.
The proposed legislation would lift the federal ban on the use of cell phone jamming systems by states, empowering correctional facilities to disrupt unauthorized mobile communications. These systems would not interfere with emergency calls or landline communications in prisons but would target mobile devices smuggled into the facilities and used to further illegal activities.
Contraband Cell Phones Fuel Criminal Activities
Contraband cell phones have become a growing issue across the United States. These devices are typically smuggled into prisons through various means and are used by some inmates to continue illicit activities while incarcerated. According to Attorney General Sunday, this includes directing drug trafficking operations, orchestrating violence, running fraud schemes, and intimidating witnesses or victims’ families.
“The reality is that some incarcerated individuals continue with their criminal activities while behind bars — be it orchestrating a drug or firearms trafficking organization or intimidating a witness in their case to not cooperate with authorities,” Sunday explained. “This legislation will help keep our communities safer by eliminating crimes aided by the use of contraband cell phones.”
The coalition’s letter to Congress highlights the escalating threat posed by these devices, underscoring how they are exploited to execute high-level criminal operations, including drug deals and complex scams targeting vulnerable populations. The letter also points to instances where inmates have used contraband phones to plan escapes, which jeopardize public safety and burden law enforcement resources.
A Widespread Problem
The coalition offered sobering data to emphasize the urgency of the issue. A 2020 survey conducted across 20 state corrections departments revealed that 25,840 contraband cell phones were confiscated in a single year. This staggering figure highlights the scale of the problem and the need for proactive measures to prevent these unauthorized communications.
Currently, federal law prohibits states from employing cell phone jamming technology, leaving correctional facilities with limited options to counteract this growing problem effectively. The coalition argues that lifting the ban will provide a vital tool for state governments to enhance prison security and protect public safety.
Legislative Support
The bills, introduced by Tennessee Congressman David Kustoff in the House of Representatives and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton in the Senate, have been framed as necessary measures to confront the use of contraband cell phones fueling organized crime within and beyond prison walls. The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general is rallying behind these efforts to urge decisive action by Congress.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, along with the attorneys general from Georgia, North Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are leading this multistate effort. They are joined by officials from 23 other states, representing a unified call for stronger regulations to address this public safety concern.
Implications for Public Safety
By enabling states to implement cell phone jamming technology, this legislation has the potential to curb illegal activity originating from prisons. It aims to dismantle networks of organized crime operating beyond the reach of law enforcement, reduce fraud and harassment targeting civilians, and minimize risks to witnesses and victims.
Attorney General Sunday, along with his colleagues, sees the measure as a critical step toward addressing a loophole in prison security. “This reform will provide correctional facilities with the tools they need to neutralize a pressing safety issue,” Sunday stated.
The coalition’s united stance on this issue underscores the priority placed on protecting communities from crimes perpetrated through contraband cell phones. With growing support from law enforcement and legal officials nationwide, many hope that Congress will move swiftly to enact this critical legislation in 2025.
Nationwide Call for Action
Joining Pennsylvania in this effort are 25 other states and territories, including Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Michigan, among others. Together, the coalition is emphasizing the importance of clearing the way for states to implement technology that can strengthen corrections systems and reduce the risks these devices pose to the public.
If passed, this legislation could mark a significant advancement in public safety by addressing one of the most persistent security challenges within the U.S. prison system.
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