Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework that limits and tightly regulates the use of cell‑site simulators by imposing a general ban, narrow exceptions, strict warrant and minimization rules, and inspector‑general and FCC oversight. It sets criminal and civil remedies, model‑specific disclosure rules, notice requirements, and detailed protections for tracking and interception.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Ban and strict warrants for simulators
If enacted, the bill would ban use of cell-site simulators in the U.S., with narrow exceptions. Police would need a warrant that shows other methods failed, are unlikely to work, or are too dangerous. Warrants must tightly limit time (30 days or less) and place, list possible service disruptions, and use models inspected by an accredited lab. These rules would start two years after enactment.
Stronger evidence and notice protections
If enacted, courts could not use data from an unlawful simulator, or anything found because of it, except in a case about the violation itself. Defendants would have to be told if simulator data is used against them. Judges would also have to send notice within 90 days after a warrant ends or is denied, unless they delay for good cause.
Narrow emergency and intelligence uses
The bill would allow warrantless use only in true emergencies, like immediate danger to life, organized crime activity, or a national security threat. In most cases, agencies would need to seek a warrant within 48 hours or stop and destroy the data. The 48-hour filing rule would not apply when locating missing or abducted people or victims after mass-casualty events. For national security, intelligence agencies could use a simulator only under foreign-intelligence court orders that meet new, warrant-like limits. These exceptions would apply two years after enactment.
Right to sue and fines
If enacted, anyone unlawfully targeted could sue the user, including a government. You could seek actual damages, lawyer fees, and up to $500 per violation. Courts could also fine violators up to $250,000. Agencies would face annual Inspector General reports and must start discipline reviews when serious misconduct is suspected. These remedies and oversight would begin two years after enactment.
Limits on data collection and tracking
The bill would limit what a simulator can collect to device identifiers and signal strength and direction. Police would also need to follow wiretap law to intercept content. Tracking someone would trigger tracking-device and court rules, with limits on out-of-area use. The Attorney General would publish minimization rules, and agencies would have to destroy non-target data as soon as possible.
Clear definitions of covered devices
The bill would define "cell-site simulator" and related terms and update cross-references. This would help courts and agencies apply the rules. These definitions would take effect two years after enactment.
Limited testing and FCC rulemaking
The bill would allow limited testing and training when not aimed at any person and under Attorney General–approved procedures. Test periods would be no longer than 90 days unless extended, and any test or training data would be destroyed. The FCC would start rulemaking within 180 days, and the FCC and accredited labs could test devices after two years. State and local users would still need to follow FCC rules.
Prison contraband systems with safeguards
Prisons and jails could run contraband‑interdiction systems if they meet safeguards. They would need to limit signals to the property, post signs, follow FCC and, if applicable, NTIA policies, test yearly, and report problems to the FCC within 10 business days. This would start two years after enactment.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
CA • D
Cosponsors
McClintock
CA • R
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in