The Georgia Senate passed a measure banning the manufacturing, sale, distribution, possession, and use of signal jammers, devices that disrupt wireless communication.
Senate Bill 470, the “Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act,” would also establish penalties for targeting communication systems relied upon by emergency services. Limited use of such technology would be permitted only for authorized state entities and certain approved actors to support public safety operations.
“The most important function of government is to protect the people, and we have to empower our first responders to do so without interruption or delay,” state Sen. John Albers, R–Roswell, said in a release. “In an emergency, wireless systems are essential for coordinating response efforts and keeping the public informed.
“Signal jammers can disrupt 911 centers, alarm systems and other critical infrastructure, putting both responders and the communities they serve at serious risk,” Albers added. “This legislation closes a dangerous gap in the law by establishing clear penalties for interference and ensuring our public safety agencies can communicate when every second counts. By protecting these vital systems, we are strengthening Georgia’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis.”
SB 470 now moves to the House for further consideration.
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