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Michigan AG, Department of Corrections push for law allowing cell phone jammers in prisons

A bipartisan coalition of at least 26 state attorneys general, including those from New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Alaska, is urging Congress to pass federal legislation in 2025 that would allow states to deploy cell phone jamming systems in prisons and jails.
Federal law currently bans states from using cell phone jamming technology, which is seen as a potential solution to the problem of contraband cell phones in prisons.
The proposed legislation, including H.R. 2350 and S. 1137 introduced by Congressman David Kustoff and Senator Tom Cotton, aims to disrupt inmates' ability to use smuggled cell phones to orchestrate various crimes from behind bars, while not impacting landline phone use.
A 2020 survey of 20 state corrections departments revealed 25,840 contraband cell phones, highlighting the scale of the problem and the potential for inmates to direct drug trafficking, concoct escape plans, run fraud schemes, and intimidate witnesses and victims' families.
The attorneys general argue that current federal restrictions leave correctional facilities defenseless and communities at risk, emphasizing that granting states the authority to use cell phone jamming is a matter of public safety and would help prevent incarcerated individuals from extending their criminal reach beyond prison walls.

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The Virgin Islands Daily News

Center

Rhea joins call to allow cellphone jamming systems in prisons

V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea is among a coalition calling on Congress to pass legislation that would allow states to deploy cellphone jamming systems in prisons, according to the V.I. Justice Department.

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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KTLO LLC

Center

Sheriff Montgomery says change to inmate phone system was business decision with new federal law

As of April 1, new federal laws took effect, discontinuing the inmate phone system at the Baxter County Detention Center. Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery told KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News that while he disagrees with the change, the federal law has made it a business decision on how to allocate local tax dollars. Listen: [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/683/2025/04/01182410/Wireready_04-01-…

2 days ago

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Miami Standard

Right

Arizona Among States Supporting Federal Legislation to Jam Smuggled Cellphones in Prisons - Miamistandard News

Federal legislation allowing states to jam cellphones smuggled into prisons has won support from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and other attorneys general. Mayes became part of a collaborative group that sent a letter to the leaders of both parties in the House and Senate last week, advocating for H.R. 2350 and S. 1137. Proponents of this federal legislation argue that it aims to hinder inmates from coordinating criminal activities from wi…

2 days ago

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WJBK

Center

Michigan AG, Department of Corrections push for law allowing cell phone jammers in prisons

A push for a law change that would allow prisons to deploy cell phone jammers is growing, with officials and organizations calling on Congress to approve such a measure.

2 days ago

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Arizona Daily Independent

Right

Arizona, Others Back Bills Allowing States To Jam Cellphones Smuggled Into Prisons

By Dave Mason Federal legislation allowing states to jam cellphones smuggled into prisons has won support from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and other attorneys general. Mayes joined a bipartisan coalition that wrote a letter to majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate last week in support of H.R. 2350 and S. 1137,...

3 days ago

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Pennsylvania Record

Lean Right

Attorney General Sunday Joins Coalition in Urging Congress to Enable ‘Jamming’ of Contraband Cell Phones in Prisons

Attorney General Dave Sunday joined a bipartisan coalition of 26 state attorneys general calling on Congress to pass H.R. 2350 and S. 1137, federal legislation allowing states to deploy cell phone ‘jamming’ systems in prisons. “Jamming” involves the interruption of cell phone signals, which would disable non-emergency calls. The legislation regards contraband phones — devices that incarcerated individuals are not permitted to have. The legislati…

3 days ago

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