Cell phone jammers in prisons one step closer

The state House adopts a resolution urging Congress to pass a law allowing cell phone jammers in prisons.

Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-Americus) says a 1934 telecommunications law currently prohibits use of such a device.

He says inmates with cell phones has become a growing problem in Georgia's prisons with over 8,500 being confiscated.  He says over 300 visitors and 60 prison staff have been arrested for smuggling in cell phones.

"The illegal use of cell phones is being used to conduct criminal activity in our prisons and outside of our prisons," he says.

The resolution was adopted 166-0 and will be sent to other Departments of Corrections as well as Georgia's Congressional delegation in hopes that legislation will be written.