Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025

This bill sets strict rules for “cell-site simulators” (often called Stingrays), which act like fake cell towers to find or track phones. In most cases, no one may use these devices in the U.S. without a court warrant, and there are special limits even for intelligence agencies abroad when Americans are involved. Breaking the rules can bring fines up to $250,000, and information gathered illegally can’t be used in court . Police can ask a judge for a warrant only after trying other methods or showing they would fail or be too dangerous; any approval must be narrow in time and area, usually no longer than 30 days, with extensions also limited . In true emergencies—like an immediate threat to life, organized crime activity, or national security—police can start using a device but must apply for a warrant within 48 hours or stop and destroy the data; exceptions also cover finding missing people and disaster victims . People must be notified after a warrant ends or is denied, unless a judge delays notice for good cause . The law also requires “minimization,” meaning agencies must quickly delete information about bystanders and make those procedures public, and it gives defendants the right to see simulator-derived evidence used against them . Use is limited to collecting device identifiers and signal strength; wiretap and tracking rules still apply if content or location tracking is involved . There are narrow exceptions for research, training, Secret Service protective duties (with a ban on using that data as evidence), and for prisons using approved systems to block contraband phones, with testing and reporting to the FCC . The bill allows people harmed by illegal use to sue for damages and fees . Inspectors general must publish yearly reports on how often these tools are used, when warrants are granted, and how well agencies follow the rules; the FCC must start any needed rulemaking within 180 days . Most parts take effect two years after the law is passed; some older device models get three years if extra testing time is certified .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Police, federal agencies, intelligence agencies, prisons using contraband phone blockers, and the public whose phones may connect to these devices .
• What changes: Warrant-first rule with tight limits; emergency use with fast court review; data deletion for bystanders; notice to affected people; illegal data kept out of court; right to sue; public reporting and FCC action .
• When: FCC starts rulemaking within 180 days; main rules begin two years after enactment, with a possible one-year extension (three years total) for certain older devices .