Bills · HR 4811
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4811Crime and Law Enforcement
Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 29· LAST ACTION JUL 29
READING
28MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenCell-site simulators are powerful surveillance tools that can gather sensitive information from many cell phones in an area, not just a suspect's, raising significant privacy concerns. Currently, rules for how and when law enforcement can use these devices vary widely across different jurisdictions, leading to a patchwork of regulations and potential for inconsistent application of privacy protections.
This bill would create a clear, uniform national standard, requiring court warrants for most uses of these devices. If passed, it would strengthen privacy rights by ensuring judicial oversight of this technology, meaning law enforcement would need to convince a judge of its necessity under strict conditions. If the bill doesn't become law, the current varied and often less restrictive rules would continue, potentially allowing for broader surveillance without consistent legal safeguards for individuals' cell phone data.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Generally prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by any individual or entity in the U.S., or by intelligence agencies on U.S. persons abroad.
Establishes a baseline restriction on a powerful surveillance technology, protecting privacy.
PROVISION 02
Allows law enforcement agencies to use a cell-site simulator only with a specialized court warrant, issued under strict conditions.
Introduces judicial oversight for the use of these devices, requiring agencies to justify their necessity.
PROVISION 03
Permits emergency use of cell-site simulators in situations involving immediate danger, organized crime, or national security threats, with an expectation of seeking a warrant afterward.
Provides flexibility for law enforcement to respond to critical situations while still maintaining a requirement for judicial review.
PROVISION 04
Stipulates that information or evidence collected through illegal use of a cell-site simulator cannot be used in court.
Discourages unauthorized surveillance by removing the incentive to collect evidence improperly.
PROVISION 05
Imposes a fine of up to $250,000 for any individual or entity that violates the prohibition on cell-site simulator use.
Creates a significant financial deterrent against unlawful use of the technology.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
46
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 29
Introduced in House
JUL 29
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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4811
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 29, 2025
Last actionJul 29, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · INTELLIGENCE (PERMANENT SELECT) COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 29, 2025
House BillHR 4811Crime and Law Enforcement
Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 29, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 29, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
28 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
