A congressman representing Tennessee believes it is imperative to restrict inmates from using illegal cell phones, as these devices are frequently employed to plan assaults, run drug trafficking networks, and direct criminal organizations.

In the next session of Congress, Representative David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) plans to put forth a legislative proposal that would allow for the implementation of cell phone jamming technology in state prison environments.

cell phone jammer can effectively disrupt cell phone signals; nonetheless, their use is prohibited in state prisons owing to the 1934 federal Communications Act, which was enacted prior to the development of cell phones.

Rep. Kustoff articulated to his congressional peers during the introduction of analogous legislation last year, "This technology will provide protection for inmates, correctional officers, and the public at large." He pointed out that "State attorneys general from various states have determined that contraband cell phones within prisons constitute one of the most pressing public safety issues currently facing prison administrators."

Correctional authorities have observed that inmates across the United States have taken advantage of contraband cell phones to commit serious offenses while incarcerated. Kustoff, for instance, highlighted a case in Tennessee where an inmate used a cell phone to plan a drug deal, resulting in the mailing of methamphetamine to his girlfriend.

On Wednesday, State Senator Jackson communicated to lawmakers and Tennessee Department of Corrections Director Frank Strada that Representative Kustoff is exploring the interest in the bill among the state's prison administrators. Strada confirmed his unwavering support for the legislation.

"Jamming a cell phone will ultimately render it completely inoperative, much like a brick, within a prison," Strada explained. "I am certain that I represent a significant number of correctional officers, from state, federal, and local levels, who believe that jamming will provide substantial assistance in our prisons."

State lawmakers have progressively enacted laws to combat the issue of banned cell phones in correctional facilities. A key piece of legislation was introduced in 2021 by former Senator Paul Ross (R-Kingston) and former Representative Brandon Ogles (R-Franklin), which proposed making it a Class E felony for inmates to possess cell phones within these institutions.

Representative Kustoff aims to introduce a bill on cell phone jamming in the upcoming congressional session. He has informed state lawmakers that other members of Congress from Tennessee have joined him in supporting this initiative. Kustoff has a track record of endorsing similar legislation, with his most recent attempt occurring last year; however, that particular bill failed to progress through the committee.