H.R. 4811: Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
The "Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025" aims to regulate how law enforcement agencies use cell-site simulators, which are devices that mimic cell towers to track mobile phone signals. Here are the main components of the bill:
Warrant Requirement
The bill will make it illegal for law enforcement to use cell-site simulators without first obtaining a warrant. This means that police and other agencies must have judicial approval before deploying these devices in investigations.
Penalties for Violations
If law enforcement agencies violate the warrant requirement, there will be penalties established under this act. The specifics of these penalties are not detailed in the summary but imply a framework for accountability regarding the misuse of cell-site simulators.
Exceptions for Law Enforcement
There are certain exceptions outlined in the bill where law enforcement may use cell-site simulators without a warrant:
- In emergency situations where obtaining a warrant is not feasible.
- For research purposes.
- For testing the devices themselves.
Protection of Individual Rights
The bill emphasizes the need to ensure that individual rights are protected during the process of using cell-site simulators. This could involve additional guidelines or measures to safeguard personal privacy and data integrity.
FCC Regulations and Implementation Timeline
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to initiate the necessary regulations to enforce this act within 180 days of its enactment. The act maintains the existing authority of the FCC and outlines that new provisions will begin to take effect two years after the bill is enacted. Additionally, current cell-site simulators can continue operating for up to three years after the act’s implementation if they receive certification from the Attorney General.
Summary
Overall, the "Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025" introduces a legal framework to regulate the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement, focusing on ensuring proper oversight, individual privacy, and accountability while allowing for some flexibility in emergencies and under specific conditions.
Relevant Companies
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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul. 29, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jul. 29, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
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