New Bill Allows Prisons to Jam Cell Signals, Restricting FCC Authority and Shifting 100% of Costs to States

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 is a straightforward piece of legislation that essentially tells the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to back off when prisons want to block cell signals inside their walls. The bill’s main purpose is to allow state and federal correctional facilities to deploy wireless jamming systems specifically to stop communication coming from or going to illegal cell phones (known as “contraband devices”) used by people being held there. This overrides existing rules that generally prohibit the use of signal jammers across the country.

The FCC Gets Sidelined

For years, prisons have struggled with illegal cell phones, which inmates often use to coordinate crimes, intimidate witnesses, or run illegal businesses from behind bars. The FCC, which regulates all radio spectrum in the U.S., has historically been the roadblock, citing concerns about jamming interfering with legal communications outside the facility. This bill changes that by stating flat-out that the FCC generally cannot stop a prison from running a jamming system inside its walls (Sec. 2). This is a massive shift in regulatory power, essentially giving prison administrators the green light to use technology previously restricted by federal communications law.

Strict Rules for Turning Down the Volume

While the bill greenlights jamming, it doesn’t give prisons a blank check. The use of these jamming systems is subject to strict conditions intended to protect the public outside the walls. First, the jamming must be strictly limited to the actual housing areas within the facility. They can't just blanket the entire prison complex or, worse, the surrounding neighborhood. Second, before turning the system on, the facility must consult with local police and public safety officials—the people who rely on those radio waves for emergency communications. They also have to notify the Director of the Bureau of Prisons about their plans (Sec. 2).

The State Budget Hit

Here’s the part that hits the state budget hard: If a state-run facility decides to implement a jammer, that state is required to cover 100% of the costs. This isn't just the one-time cost of buying the equipment; it includes setting up the system and all ongoing operational and maintenance costs. For taxpayers, this means that while the federal government is removing a major regulatory hurdle, state and local governments are footing the entire bill for this new security measure. For states already grappling with tight budgets, this could be a significant, unfunded mandate.

What Could Go Wrong?

This bill is a clear win for prison security, aiming to cut off a major tool for criminal coordination. However, the real-world challenge lies in implementation. The bill defines a “jamming system” very broadly, covering everything from the antennas to the power levels. If these systems are poorly installed or malfunction, they could bleed outside the prison walls. Imagine a family living next door suddenly unable to make an emergency call because their cell service is being blocked, or a nearby fire department’s radio communication getting disrupted. The requirement for consultation with local public safety is crucial here, but the ultimate responsibility for keeping the jamming contained falls on the facility, which now has the power to jam without the FCC’s usual oversight.