Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025

Summary

Makes it a federal crime to use a cell‑site simulator without meeting strict legal rules, creates a civil and criminal remedy structure, and tightly limits when law enforcement and intelligence agents may operate the devices. It bars evidence gathered in violation from being used in most cases, sets a maximum fine of $250,000 for violations, and permits law enforcement use only under narrowly tailored warrants or in narrowly defined emergencies with additional procedural safeguards.

• Unauthorized use of cell‑site simulators in the U.S. is made a federal crime with a maximum fine of $250,000.
• Evidence obtained in violation is generally inadmissible in federal, state, or local proceedings, except to prosecute the offender for the simulator offense.
• Law enforcement may use cell‑site simulators only under narrowly tailored judicial warrants or under limited emergency exceptions.
• Warrants must follow standard criminal procedure rules, specify narrow time and geographic limits, and show other methods were considered.
• Warrants initially cannot authorize use longer than 30 days; extensions may be granted in additional 30‑day increments under the same standards.
• Courts must weigh public safety benefits against adverse effects on people and communications infrastructure before issuing or renewing warrants.
• The intelligence community is limited from using cell‑site simulators abroad against U.S. persons except where the statute allows.
• The statute requires compliance with the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules as part of the warrant showing.
• An emergency exception permits temporary use when a governmental entity reasonably determines an emergency exists, subject to conditions.
• The law emphasizes procedural safeguards and exclusionary remedies to protect privacy and constrain warrantless surveillance.