Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes end shared wireless services plans with their abusers became law on Dec. 7 with the president’s signature.
“This new law will help survivors of domestic violence regain their independence and free their communications from abusers’ control,” Sen. Fischer said on Dec. 9. “It’s another important step toward ensuring all victims of domestic violence have the support they need and deserve.”
President Joe Biden signed into law the Safe Connections Act of 2022, H.R. 7132, which two Democrats introduced on March 17 as the companion bill to the same-named S. 120, which Sen. Fischer and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced in January 2021. H.R. 7132 on July 27 received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives and then the U.S. Senate passed it by unanimous consent on Nov. 17. The House version then on Dec. 2 was presented to Biden, who signed it into law five days later.
“Giving domestic violence abusers control over their victims’ cell phones is a terrifying reality for many survivors,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our new law will help survivors get out of these shared plans and help victims stay connected with their families and support networks.”
Specifically, the Safe Connections Act will allow survivors to separate a mobile phone line from any shared plan involving an abuser without penalties or other requirements, according to information provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, it requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to seek comment on how to help survivors who separate from a shared plan enroll in the Lifeline Program for up to six months as they become financially stable; and tasks the FCC with establishing rules that would ensure any calls or texts to hotlines do not appear on call logs, the information says.
Supporters of the proposed bill include the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Competitive Carriers Association, and CTIA – The Wireless Association.