Sponsors (7)
The bill strengthens federal tools to curb contraband cellphones and reduce illicit inmate communications—improving facility safety and clarifying forfeiture limits—but raises fines and forfeiture risk for detained individuals and third parties, shifts costs to local systems, and may invite litigation over narrow exemptions.
Detention facility staff and public safety benefit from reduced illicit inmate communications that can enable contraband coordination or organized criminal activity inside facilities.
State and federal authorities gain a clear, consistent federal tool to deter and penalize introducing contraband cellphones across jurisdictions.
Alleged violators and the public benefit from limits on civil forfeiture (caps and a 2-year statute of limitations), which reduce potentially unlimited financial exposure and provide clearer bounds for enforcement actions.
People held in detention (including those with disabilities) face higher criminal fines and greater risk of device forfeiture, increasing their legal and financial penalties.
Third parties — visitors, vendors, friends — face greater criminal and forfeiture risk if accused of supplying devices, which could chill legitimate deliveries and visitation-related services.
State and local prison systems and taxpayers may bear shifted costs from expanded federal penalties and enforcement (compliance, prosecutions, and court burdens).
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates federal prohibitions and raises civil and criminal penalties for supplying, introducing, or possessing wireless devices in detention facilities.
Official title: To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for additional prohibitions and enhanced penalties for providing or possessing wireless communications devices in detention facilities, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 23, 2025 by Gus Bilirakis · Last progress May 23, 2025
Creates a new federal prohibition and stronger penalties for supplying, introducing, or possessing wireless communications devices in U.S. detention facilities. The law raises civil forfeiture caps and criminal fines for willful violations, defines key terms, exempts lawful investigative activities and certain state enforcement, and applies only to conduct after enactment.