SB-325
Civil Rights & Liberties

Cellular telephones: communications interceptions.

Introduced
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Prohibits manufacturing or selling devices designed to intercept cellular and cordless phone communications.
  • Imposes fines up to $2,500 and jail time for first offenses, with increased penalties for repeat violations.
  • Exempts law enforcement agencies and utility companies from these restrictions.

Summary

Senator Niello's proposal to modify California's telecommunications privacy law refines existing restrictions on devices designed for intercepting cellular and cordless telephone communications. The measure updates Section 635 of the Penal Code to explicitly include devices targeting communications between cordless telephones and landline phones alongside current provisions covering cellular communications.

The legislation maintains current penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and one year of imprisonment for first-time violations while establishing enhanced penalties of up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill preserves existing exemptions for communication utilities conducting maintenance and operations, law enforcement agencies, and authorized vendors supplying these entities. Utility subscribers may continue to possess company-provided devices that fall within the scope of the law when furnished according to approved tariffs.

These technical modifications aim to align the statute's language with contemporary telecommunications technology while preserving the established framework of prohibited conduct, penalties, and authorized exceptions. The measure requires no additional appropriations and makes no changes to enforcement mechanisms or implementation requirements.

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
Senate Floor
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 6 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Roger Niello
Roger NielloR
California State Senator
10% progression
Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (2/11/2025)

Key Takeaways

  • Prohibits manufacturing or selling devices designed to intercept cellular and cordless phone communications.
  • Imposes fines up to $2,500 and jail time for first offenses, with increased penalties for repeat violations.
  • Exempts law enforcement agencies and utility companies from these restrictions.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Roger Niello
Roger NielloR
California State Senator

Summary

Senator Niello's proposal to modify California's telecommunications privacy law refines existing restrictions on devices designed for intercepting cellular and cordless telephone communications. The measure updates Section 635 of the Penal Code to explicitly include devices targeting communications between cordless telephones and landline phones alongside current provisions covering cellular communications.

The legislation maintains current penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and one year of imprisonment for first-time violations while establishing enhanced penalties of up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill preserves existing exemptions for communication utilities conducting maintenance and operations, law enforcement agencies, and authorized vendors supplying these entities. Utility subscribers may continue to possess company-provided devices that fall within the scope of the law when furnished according to approved tariffs.

These technical modifications aim to align the statute's language with contemporary telecommunications technology while preserving the established framework of prohibited conduct, penalties, and authorized exceptions. The measure requires no additional appropriations and makes no changes to enforcement mechanisms or implementation requirements.

10% progression
Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (2/11/2025)

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
Senate Floor
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 6 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member