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H.R. 3949

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
END CELLS in CELLS Act
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · June 16, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Congress
118th (2023–2025)
Introduced
June 9, 2023
Cosponsors (31)
0D 31R
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Summary

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This bill makes it illegal to bring wireless communications devices into detention facilities or to possess them while incarcerated, with violations subject to significant penalties. The legislation amends federal communications law to prohibit providing phones or similar devices to inmates, knowingly facilitating their introduction into facilities, or possessing them as an inmate in violation of facility rules. Civil penalties can reach up to $50,000 per violation or per day for continuing violations, capped at $1,000,000 total for a single offense, while criminal penalties include fines up to $50,000 for willful violations. The law applies to all U.S. correctional, detention, and penal facilities and covers any device that sends or receives wireless communications, including components that enable network connection. The bill takes effect upon enactment and allows law enforcement and state officials to continue conducting authorized investigations while enforcement actions must be brought within two years of the violation.

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