END CELLS in CELLS Act
This bill prohibits providing, facilitating, or possessing wireless devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons, jails) if such actions violate existing federal or state laws. It imposes civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) or criminal fines up to $50,000 for intentional violations. The law explicitly excludes lawful law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers, and defines "detention facility" broadly to include all correctional and penal institutions. It applies to conduct occurring after enactment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jun 9, 2023
Last action Jun 16, 2023
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jun 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
lower
Jun 9, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
lower
Jun 9, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 31 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Gus M. Bilirakis
RRepublican
Co
Andrew R. Garbarino
RRepublican
Co
Anthony D’Esposito
RRepublican
Co
August Pfluger
RRepublican
Co
Austin Scott
RRepublican
Co
Bill Johnson
RRepublican
Co
Brandon Williams
RRepublican
Co
Brett Guthrie
RRepublican
Co
Debbie Lesko
RRepublican
Co
Don Bacon
RRepublican
Co
Doug LaMalfa
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HR 3949
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand HR 3949. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline