The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2022, reintroduced by Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08), aims to address the issue of contraband cell phone use in federal and state prison facilities. This legislation would grant state and federal prisons the authority to implement cell phone jamming systems for the safety of inmates, guards, and the community.

Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) presented the companion bill in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, Representatives William Timmons (SC-04), Tom Rice (SC-07), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Jeff Duncan (SC-03) have joined as co-sponsors of this legislation.

It was mentioned by Congressman Kustoff that in correctional facilities all over the United States, prisoners are using contraband cell phones for illegal purposes, such as managing drug operations, aiding in sex trafficking, and organizing escape attempts.The prevalence of contraband cell phones necessitates immediate action from Congress to prevent dangerous criminals from carrying out illegal activities while in custody, thus safeguarding the public.I am thrilled to work alongside Senators Cotton and Graham in reintroducing this important bill that will contribute to the safety of our communities in West Tennessee and the United States.

Prisoners have used contraband cell phones to direct unlawful activities outside prison walls, which involve orchestrating hits on rivals, engaging in sex trafficking, managing drug operations, and conducting business transactions.The Federal Communications Act currently prohibits facilities from using cellphone signal jamming devices to prevent this, despite their effectiveness. My proposed bill aims to address this issue, ensuring that criminals can serve their time without endangering the public.

This legislation is championed by the Correctional Leaders Association, the Council of Prison Locals, the American Correctional Association, the National Sheriff's Association, and the Major County Sheriffs of America.

The use of contraband cell phones is rampant within both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have utilized these unauthorized devices to carry out illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illicit business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes that endanger correctional employees, fellow inmates, and the general public.

The South Carolina Prison Incident was sparked by the combination of cell phones and contraband. A violent gang fight, centered around territorial disputes, erupted within the confines of the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina. The utilization of cell phones to facilitate the illegal exchange of contraband played a significant role in escalating the conflict. Sadly, this altercation led to the loss of seven inmates' lives and caused injuries to 20 others.

The murder of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati in 2013 was a result of his intervention in an unlawful contraband cell phone operation. The inmate behind the killing used a contraband cell phone to communicate with the hired assailant, leading to the fatal outcome, as indicated in the official records.

According to a 2018 report, an inmate at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey coordinated a murder and assault using a smuggled phone while incarcerated. Another prisoner at the same facility was alleged to have possessed and distributed child pornography through a contraband phone. Furthermore, six other inmates admitted their guilt in separate incidents.

The impact of contraband cell phones extends beyond aiding violent criminals in their nefarious pursuits. According to The Wall Street Journal, Martin Shkreli, the disgraced pharmaceutical executive who was sentenced to seven years for securities fraud, continued to exert influence over decision-making processes at Phoenixus AG through the use of an illicit cell phone.