STATE OF MARYLAND – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, along with a bipartisan coalition of 31 attorneys general, is urging Congress to pass legislation that would allow states to use cell phone jamming technology in prisons. The proposed bills, H.R. 2350 and S. 1137, would enable states to implement these systems in order to block illicit cell phone use in correctional facilities. This move is aimed at curbing criminal activities that are coordinated by inmates, including drug trafficking, violent crimes, and fraud schemes. “Contraband cell phones are not just a security risk; they directly threaten public safety,” said Brown. “This legislation is a crucial step toward preventing prisons from becoming command centers for crime. Contraband phones have been a persistent issue in correctional facilities, with a 2020 survey finding 25,840 illicit phones seized across 20 states. These devices allow inmates to continue illegal activities, even from behind bars. The proposed legislation would allow for controlled use of cell phone jamming, blocking unauthorized communications while maintaining access to emergency services like 911. This bipartisan initiative has gained support from attorneys general across the nation, with a united call for Congress to pass the bills in 2025.
