NW Tennessee News

On March 26, 2025, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act in Washington, D.C. This proposed legislation aims to curb the use of contraband cellphones in federal and state prison facilities by permitting these institutions to deploy cellphone jamming systems.

"Criminals are using contraband cellphones to commit crimes while in prison. The extent of coordinated criminal activity carried out by inmates is a serious threat to public safety," stated Congressman Kustoff. "As a former United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the dangerous effects of contraband cellphone use to both law enforcement officers and our communities. It should be impossible for prisoners to organize gang activity, traffic drugs, and coordinate any other wrongdoing from behind bars. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is commonsense legislation that will crack down on cellphones in prisons and protect inmates, guards, and the public at large."

Senator Cotton echoed this sentiment: "For far too long, contraband cellphones have been a major security threat in our prisons, allowing criminals to coordinate crimes from behind bars. This legislation is a common-sense step to cut off their ability to threaten witnesses, organize drug trafficking, and endanger law-abiding citizens from within prison walls."

The bill has garnered support in the House of Representatives with cosponsors including Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Randy Weber (R-TX), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Michael Guest (R-MS), and Mike Collins (R-GA).

Currently, under the Federal Communications Act, prison facilities are prohibited from using cellphone jamming systems. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act seeks to amend this law by allowing state and federal prisons to implement highly targeted cellphone jamming equipment within housing facilities.

Instances of inmates utilizing contraband cellphones for criminal activities have been reported nationwide. Notably:

- In Atlanta last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party following orders given via contraband cellphones by inmates in a Georgia prison.

- In 2024 alone, Georgia authorities confiscated over 15,500 contraband cellphones.

- In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted for running drug operations from their cells.

- A Tennessee inmate used such a device for orchestrating drug deals involving methamphetamine shipments.

These incidents underscore the pressing need for legislative action as outlined in the new bill.