Bills · S 2522
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2522Crime and Law Enforcement
Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 29· LAST ACTION JUL 29
READING
28MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it directly addresses concerns about personal privacy in the digital age versus the tools available to law enforcement for public safety. Without this bill, government agencies might use cell-site simulators with less transparency and fewer checks and balances, potentially collecting vast amounts of data from innocent people. It establishes clear legal guidelines for a technology that many consider highly intrusive.
If this bill becomes law, it means that law enforcement will generally need a judge's permission, based on a clear showing of need and specific conditions, before they can use these devices that can track your phone. This could make it harder for law enforcement to use these tools broadly or secretly. If it doesn't become law, the rules around cell-site simulator use could remain fragmented, less restrictive, or even non-existent in some areas, potentially leaving individuals more vulnerable to surveillance without their knowledge or consent, and without judicial oversight.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Generally prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by individuals and entities in the United States, and by the intelligence community on U.S. persons abroad.
This establishes a broad default ban, preventing unauthorized or unregulated use of these intrusive surveillance devices.
PROVISION 02
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a judicial warrant before using a cell-site simulator, with strict conditions for its issuance.
This introduces judicial oversight, ensuring that privacy rights are considered and that these tools are used only when necessary and justified.
PROVISION 03
Sets specific requirements for warrant applications, including demonstrating that other investigative procedures have failed or are too dangerous, and specifying the narrowest possible area and time of use.
These requirements prevent overreach, ensuring the technology is a last resort and its impact is minimized.
PROVISION 04
Allows for an emergency exception, permitting cell-site simulator use without a warrant for up to 48 hours in situations involving immediate danger or national security threats, followed by a warrant application.
This balances privacy protections with the critical need for immediate action in time-sensitive emergency situations.
PROVISION 05
Imposes a fine of up to $250,000 for illegal use of a cell-site simulator and prohibits unlawfully obtained evidence from being used in court.
This provides a strong deterrent against misuse and upholds the principle that evidence gathered illegally cannot be used against a person.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Oregon
YRS IN OFFICE
45
BILLS LED
92
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 29
Introduced in Senate
JUL 29
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2522
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 29, 2025
Last actionJul 29, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 29, 2025
Senate BillS 2522Crime and Law Enforcement
Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 29, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 29, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
28 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
