The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act would allow state and federal prisons and jails to use signal-jamming equipment to block cell phone communications without being prevented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Currently, the FCC prohibits such jamming because it can interfere with legitimate cell phone networks and public safety communications. The bill would restrict jamming to only the housing units within correctional facilities where inmates are held, and would require facilities to consult with local law enforcement before installation and notify the Bureau of Prisons about the operation. State-run facilities would bear all costs for purchasing and operating the jamming systems. The legislation is intended to address the problem of inmates using smuggled phones to conduct criminal activity, coordinate escapes, or threaten victims from inside prison.
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