Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025

This proposal sets nationwide rules for “cell-site simulators,” devices that act like fake cell towers to find phones and capture their signals. It makes it illegal for anyone to use one in the U.S., and it bars intelligence agencies from using one overseas to target Americans; it also doesn’t let police use this tech outside the U.S.. Breaking the rules can mean fines up to $250,000, and information gathered unlawfully can’t be used in court. Police can use a device only with a judge’s warrant, or in a real emergency . To get a warrant, they must show other methods failed or are too risky, keep the device’s range and time as narrow as possible, warn about risks to 911 and other key calls, and a judge must weigh public safety; any approval lasts up to 30 days, and people swept up must later get notice (usually within about 90 days) .

In emergencies, police must apply for a warrant within 48 hours; if a judge denies it, they must stop, delete the data, and notify affected people. The Attorney General must publish rules to limit what’s collected about bystanders and delete it quickly; only basic device IDs and signal strength/direction may be collected unless other wiretap rules are followed; people on trial must be told if this tech was used; people can sue for violations, and agencies can face discipline . Narrow exceptions include prison systems using approved tools to find contraband phones, research and teaching by non‑government people, limited testing and training by law enforcement and the FCC, use by intelligence agencies under existing federal surveillance laws, and protective services that cannot use that data as evidence . Federal watchdogs must publish yearly reports on how often this tech is used and whether rules are followed. The FCC must start updating rules within 180 days. Most rules start two years after the law is passed, with up to three years for some older devices .

Key points

• Who is affected: Police and federal agents, intelligence agencies, prisons, the FCC and accredited labs, courts, and people carrying cell phones .
• What changes: Warrant-first rule with strict limits and disclosures; tight emergency use with 48‑hour follow‑up; fines; illegal evidence is thrown out; bystander data must be minimized and deleted; notice to affected people; civil lawsuits and possible agency discipline; annual public reports .
• When: FCC starts updates within 180 days; most rules begin two years after passage, with certain older devices given up to three years.