Bill To Criminalize Signal Jamming Devices Clears Hurdle
Bill To Criminalize Signal Jamming Devices Approved by Committee at Statehouse
STATEHOUSE–Legislation to criminalize signal jamming devices passed the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday at the Statehouse.
It heads to the House floor next. If approved, it would criminalize the use, sale, manufacturing, and distribution of radio frequency jamming devices unless authorized by federal law. Republican State Representative Cindy Ledbetter of Newburgh sponsored the legislation.
“With the evolution of technology, law enforcement officers rely on security systems, radios and computers to assist them in protecting and serving our communities better,” Ledbetter said. “This legislation ensures we are updating our laws to include potential threats to law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe.”
In 2024, police say an Evansville burglar used a signal-jamming device to evade officers during a traffic stop, resulting in problems with the in-car laptops they were using.
Under federal law, devices that interfere with authorized radio communications are illegal and this proposed legislation would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to confiscate these devices and penalize users.
