SJR 617 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Memorials, Congress - Urges the U.S. Congress to enact H.R. 2350 (S. 1137), which permits states to deploy cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. -

Tennessee's Senate Joint Resolution 617 urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2350/S. 1137, which would permit states to use cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. Currently, federal law bans states from deploying such technology to block contraband phones used by inmates for illegal activities like drug trafficking and violence coordination. The resolution highlights that 25,840 contraband phones were found in state prisons in a single year, and jamming systems would specifically avoid disrupting emergency 911 calls. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests congressional action to address this safety concern.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 16, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Mar 16, 2026
Committee
Ref. to State & Local Government Committee
lower
Mar 16, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Departments & Agencies Subcommittee
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Adopted, Ayes 29, Nays 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for adoption by Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, refer Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tom Hatcher
Tom Hatcher
RRepublican
TN
2