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A 2461

Prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement officers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll and 6 co-sponsors

Prohibits law enforcement from using cell-site simulators (IMSI catchers), strengthening privacy by preventing mobile location tracking and data collection.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 2461

Summary of Assembly Bill A 2461 – Prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement officers

Bill at a glance

  • Bill Number: A 2461
  • Title: Prohibits the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement officers
  • Status: Referred to Governmental Operations
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Sponsor Highlights: Primary sponsor — Robert C. Carroll; Co-sponsors — MaryJane Shimsky, Jo Anne Simon, Amanda Septimo, Catalina Cruz, Steven Raga, Harvey Epstein

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to prohibit the use of cell-site simulators (commonly known as IMSI catchers) by law enforcement officers. The aim is to restrict surveillance technologies that can intercept or track mobile devices, thereby enhancing privacy and civil liberties protections for individuals.

Key provisions (as introduced)

  • The bill would prohibit the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement officers.
  • Specific provisions such as definitions, scope (which agencies/officers are covered), enforcement mechanisms, penalties for violations, and any exemptions or emergency/applicability carve-outs are not detailed in the provided information. The full text would specify:
    • Who exactly is prohibited (e.g., all law enforcement officers, contractors, or specific agencies)
    • Any permissible circumstances or exceptions
    • Compliance, reporting, and accountability requirements
    • Penalties or remedies for violations
    • Procedures for agency acquisition/usage oversight or monitoring

Note: The summary above reflects the stated prohibition in the bill title. Detailed provisions would appear in the full bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Law enforcement agencies and officers that operate cell-site simulators or rely on such technologies.
  • Potentially affected entities could include municipal police departments, sheriff’s offices, and other state or local criminal justice agencies, along with any contractors or partners engaged in surveillance activities using cell-site simulators.
  • Privacy rights of individuals and communities could be impacted by limiting or prohibiting access to cellular location and metadata obtained through such devices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025.
  • Referral: Referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations (listed twice in the actions provided, indicating formal referral on that date).
  • Next steps (typical legislative process): The bill would proceed to committee hearings and markup, potential amendments, and then a floor vote in the relevant house. If advanced, it could move to the other house and undergo a similar process. The bill is listed with related and companion bills, suggesting parallel or prior-session activity to address similar policy interests.

Legislative context and related bills

  • Related bills (prior-session): S 5825; A 6143
  • Companion bills: S 6567 (noted as a companion in the provided information)
  • Sponsors indicate cross-party or cross-initiative interest in regulating surveillance technology and protecting privacy.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill would prevent the use of cell-site simulators by law enforcement, reinforcing privacy protections against certain digital surveillance techniques.
  • The extent of impact depends on the final text, including any exemptions, grace periods, or transitional provisions.
  • Stakeholders to watch include law enforcement agencies, civil liberties groups, and privacy advocates, as well as committees responsible for government operations and oversight.

For a complete understanding, consult the full bill text and any fiscal notes or amendments once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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