Bill > SB0026

This bill addresses the use of signal jammers, which are electronic devices designed to block or interfere with radio communications, including personal communications services, police radar, GPS, and wireless networking services. The bill establishes new criminal penalties for manufacturing, selling, possessing, or using signal jammers. Specifically, knowingly manufacturing, selling, or using a signal jammer would be considered a Level 6 felony, which is the lowest level of felony in Indiana. However, if a signal jammer is used to disrupt a component of a critical infrastructure facility (such as a power plant, water treatment facility, or communications services facility) or the communications of a public safety agency, the offense would be elevated to a Level 5 felony, which carries more severe potential penalties. The bill also adds signal jammers to the list of items that can be seized by law enforcement, and provides a clear definition of what constitutes a signal jammer. The legislation aims to protect critical infrastructure and public safety communication networks by creating legal consequences for the unauthorized use of communication-blocking devices.