Bill Text: SC H3737 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Remove federal impediments towards the implementation of a jamming system within correctional facility
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 7-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-01-27 - Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions [H3737 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H3737-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT S. 952 OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION TO REMOVE THE FEDERAL IMPEDIMENTS TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A JAMMING SYSTEM WITHIN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Corrections strictly prohibits the use of cell phones by an inmate within a correctional facility. The use of cell phones by an inmate has become a public safety issue throughout South Carolina and was declared a state emergency by Governor Henry McMaster; and
Whereas, a cell phone allows the inmate to work beyond their physical confinement and continue to operate a criminal enterprise from behind bars; and
Whereas, Captain Robert Johnson, a former correctional officer, has been repeatedly attacked by those connected with inmates through a cell phone and one inmate ordered a hit on him after his contraband team seized a package stuffed with cell phones, chargers, and SIM cards, paying another man six thousand dollars to enter his home and kill him. Despite being shot six times, he thankfully survived; and
Whereas, an inmate at the Kirkland Correctional Institution used a cell phone to carry out attacks on various victims in Columbia, including a woman he previously dated. While serving a ten year sentence, he arranged for others to shoot at her car and home as well as set her car on fire; and
Whereas, cell phones are believed to have contributed to the events that led to the 2018 prison riot at Lee Correctional Institution. The inmates were able to communicate and coordinate targets on rival inmates. The riot led to the death of seven prisoners and is one of the most violent prison riots in the history of the United States; and
Whereas, although jamming cell phone signals is considered the best solution to end this public safety issue, the Communications Act of 1934 prohibits a state or local government from intentionally blocking communications. S. 952 of 2019 was drafted to specifically address this hazard and the passage of this or similar legislation has the potential to save the lives of the citizens of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Congress to enact S. 952 or similar legislation to remove the federal impediments towards the implementation of a jamming system within a correctional institution.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
