# Plain Language Summary: END CELLS Act

This bill makes it a federal crime to bring cell phones and other wireless devices into prisons, jails, and detention facilities, or to possess them while locked up. It applies to anyone involved in getting these devices into facilities—whether that's a visitor, staff member, delivery person, or someone smuggling them in—as well as to incarcerated people who try to obtain or use them. The law covers any device that can send or receive wireless signals, including phones, tablets, or even the SIM cards and components that make these devices work.

The penalties are significant. People convicted of intentionally breaking this law can face criminal fines up to $50,000 per violation. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission can impose civil penalties (financial forfeitures) of up to $50,000 per violation or per day if the violation continues, with a maximum total of $1 million for any single incident. The law gives authorities two years from when a violation occurs to take action, and they don't need to issue a citation before imposing penalties.

The bill does include an important exception: it doesn't prevent law enforcement agencies or state officials from using phones for legitimate investigations, undercover operations, or other authorized law enforcement purposes. State governments can also continue enforcing their own laws about contraband in detention facilities. The law takes effect immediately once it's signed, applying to any smuggling or possession that happens after that date.