119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 3577
The END CELLS Act strengthens federal law to crack down on contraband cell phones and wireless devices in prisons and jails. The bill makes it illegal to bring phones into detention facilities, to help inmates obtain them, or for inmates to possess them, with violations enforced through civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total per incident) or criminal fines of up to $50,000. The law applies to all U.S. correctional, detention, and penal facilities and covers any wireless device capable of sending or receiving communications, including components that enable devices to connect to networks. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and gives federal authorities a two-year window to pursue violations through the Federal Communications Commission's enforcement process.