Effective July 1, 2021, inmates in possession of a cell phone, or any telecommunications device while inside a penal institution, may be charged with a Class E Felony punishable by fine. A fine of $3,000 will be imposed upon offenders who repeatedly violate this law.
The legislation was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in April. While introducing a telecommunications device into a correctional facility was included in previous law, possession of a device by an inmate was not a criminal offense. This act amends current Tennessee Code.