Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has re-filed the Eliminate Non-approved Devices and Contraband Electronics Limiting Links to Society (END CELLS) Act, a legislative measure aimed at curbing criminal activity orchestrated by inmates using contraband cell phones.
The bill seeks to impose stricter penalties on prisoners found with illegal wireless devices and on individuals who smuggle them into correctional facilities.
The move comes in response to numerous reports highlighting the escalating issue of prisoners utilizing illicit cell phones to coordinate and commit crimes beyond prison walls. Congressman Bilirakis emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing instances where such devices have been used to facilitate escape attempts, orchestrate violent crimes, and endanger children.
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“Americans deserve the confidence of knowing that once a criminal has been locked away, that the perpetrator cannot continue to victimize others from behind bars,” stated Congressman Bilirakis. “We have seen prisoners use illegal devices to facilitate escape attempts, coordinate murders, and endanger children to sexual predators. Enough is enough! We can lower the incidence of criminal acts taking place from behind bars by cracking down on those who smuggle electronic devices into prisons and on those who are found in possession of these illegal devices.”
The END CELLS Act proposes to amend the federal Communications Act, explicitly making it unlawful for anyone to provide or attempt to provide a federal, state, or local prisoner with a wireless communications device. It would also be illegal for an inmate to possess such a device while incarcerated. The legislation introduces significant criminal and civil penalties, with fines up to $50,000 for each violation.
The bill has garnered support from various law enforcement and industry leaders.
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis praised the bill as a “common sense measure,” stating, “One of the most fundamental rules in securing a facility is controlling an inmate’s ability to plan an escape or contraband introduction with someone on the outside. It is also important, when trying to dismantle a criminal enterprise, to limit the ability of those incarcerated leaders to run the organization from prison.”
“My primary focus is keeping our community safe. I fully support, and thank Congressman Bilirakis for his leadership in any efforts to reduce victimization in our community and to hold those who commit crime in our community accountable for their actions, which includes not being able to commit any further offenses while they are incarcerated,” said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.
Support from the wireless industry was also evident. Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA, remarked, “CTIA applauds Representative Gus Bilirakis for reintroducing the END CELLS Act, which expressly makes it illegal for a prisoner to possess a cellphone, setting new penalties for violations. The unauthorized use of cellphones by the incarcerated is a serious issue, and the wireless industry is committed to working with policymakers, corrections officials and other stakeholders to advance solutions that keep cellphones out of prisons, while also protecting lawful communications.”
The END CELLS Act aims to enhance law enforcement and correctional facilities’ tools to ensure that incarcerated individuals are unable to continue criminal activities, thereby improving public safety.
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