U.S. Tennessee Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) recently introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act in the U.S. House of Representatives which would prevent contraband cell phone use in federal and state prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cell phone jamming systems.
During remarks on the House floor, Kustoff said his legislation will “protect inmates, guards, and the public at large” as a “necessary first step towards alleviating the crime crisis America is currently facing.”
“All Americans have the right to feel safe in their communities…The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is a key step towards reducing crime, enhancing public safety, and ultimately to fulfilling our goal to create a nation that’s safe,” Kustoff concluded his remarks.
Kustoff’s bill comes two months after Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and a group of attorneys general sent a letter to Congress to pass legislation that would give states the authority to jam contraband cell phones in prisons, as previously reported by The Tennessee Star.
The letter sent by the group of attorneys general details instances of inmates using contraband cell phones to commit additional crimes while in prison. One instance highlighted in the letter was a case in Tennessee, where a Memphis inmate used a contraband cell phone to orchestrate drug conspiracy deals by sending a FedEx package full of methamphetamine to his girlfriend.
U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
The legislation is endorsed by the Major County Sheriffs of America, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Council of Prison Locals as well as the group of attorneys general that wrote to Congress requesting such legislation be passed.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “David Kustoff” by Eric Connolly. Photo “Jonathan Skrmetti” by Tennessee Attorney General. Background Photo “Prison” by Carles Rabada.
Answer me this: Is it not ALREADY UNLAWFUL to smuggle or otherwise provide cell phones to inmates? Asking for a law granting permission to block transmissions in jails and prisons seems – to be blunt – stupid to me. If inmates are not allowed cell phones, then wardens/police already have the necessary authority to block use thereof. Though someone will say “the law does not allow that”. Can anyone provide a better example of poorly written law? Perhaps we should require our lawmakers to be subject to the same laws they impose on we the people. Imagine how much better governemnt would be for us all if lawmakers at all levels were denied use of phones . . .