Bills · HR 3577
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3577Science, Technology, Communications
END CELLS Act
INTRO MAY 23· LAST ACTION MAY 23
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
6
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to improve safety and security within prisons and jails, which are often connected to broader public safety concerns. Unauthorized cell phones in detention facilities can be used by inmates to coordinate criminal activities outside the walls, intimidate witnesses, arrange escapes, or even facilitate drug trafficking.
If this bill becomes law, the significantly increased penalties are intended to act as a stronger deterrent against these activities, potentially reducing the ability of incarcerated individuals to commit crimes or disrupt public order from behind bars. If it doesn't become law, the current patchwork of state and federal regulations and their associated penalties would remain, which some argue are not strong enough to effectively combat the issue of contraband wireless devices.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Makes it unlawful to provide or attempt to provide a wireless communications device to a person in a detention facility, or to facilitate its introduction.
This provision criminalizes the actions of outsiders who help smuggle phones into prisons and jails.
PROVISION 02
Makes it unlawful for a person held in a detention facility to possess or attempt to obtain a wireless communications device.
This provision directly targets inmates who acquire or use unauthorized devices, holding them accountable.
PROVISION 03
Increases the maximum civil forfeiture penalty for these violations to $50,000 per violation or day, up to $1,000,000 total for a single act.
The significantly higher civil fines aim to deter individuals and groups from engaging in the smuggling of contraband devices.
PROVISION 04
Establishes a new maximum criminal fine of $50,000 for each willful and knowing violation.
This enhanced criminal fine provides a more severe punishment for those intentionally violating the law, complementing existing imprisonment penalties.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
35
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 6 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 23
Introduced in House
MAY 23
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3577
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 23, 2025
Last actionMay 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 23, 2025
House BillHR 3577Science, Technology, Communications
END CELLS Act
INTRODUCED MAY 23, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
