A bill allowing states to use cell-phone jamming technology, S.251, passed the U.S. Senate on Oct. 5 and will now be considered in the House, as HR 560.

Another bill, S.1749, adds cell phones to the list of contraband in federal prisons. These bills address a legitimate problem, but they also miss an important opportunity.

Neither bill addresess the reason many prisoners use cell phones - to stay in touch with loved ones.

Forty-four states accept kickbacks from phone companies, which overcharge prisoners for phone calls. Prisoners in more than 10 states pay over $1 a minute for out-of-state calls. This must change.

Rep. Bobby Scott is a staunch advocate for prisoners rights, please send him a letter today urging him to address access to phone privleges before he votes on the cell phone jamming bill.

Forty-four states accept kickbacks from phone companies, which overcharge prisoners for phone calls. Prisoners in more than 10 states pay over $1 a minute for out-of-state calls. This must change.