Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined 30 other attorneys general in urging Congress to enact federal legislation permitting states to implement cell phone jamming systems in prisons. This move comes as part of a wider effort to combat the use of contraband cell phones by inmates, which has been linked to various crimes, including drug trafficking, fraud, and violent attacks beyond prison confines.
In light of the situation, Nessel stated, “We have seen cases of inmates smuggling cell phones into correctional facilities to commit crimes like drug trafficking, fraud, and even violent attacks beyond prison walls. This legislation is crucial in cracking down on contraband cell phones and protecting inmates, correctional staff, and the public.”
Tennessee Congressman David Kustoff and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton introduced the legislation, known as H.R. 2350 and S. 1137. These bills are designed to address a gap in federal law that currently prohibits states from using cell phone jamming technology, leaving prisons vulnerable to these emerging threats. The proposed legislative measures are carefully crafted to avoid interference with emergency signals, such as 9-1-1.
The coalition of attorneys general stressed the importance of this issue, emphasizing that it is a matter of public safety rather than a partisan one. They cited a 2020 survey revealing that 25,840 contraband cell phones were discovered across 20 state correctional departments in a single year, highlighting the extent of the problem.
Leading the coalition are Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti, along with the attorneys general of Georgia, North Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The group also includes representatives from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This broad coalition underscores the urgency of passing the legislation in 2025.