Signal jammers.

Senator Wahab's signal jammer legislation establishes new criminal penalties for manufacturing, selling, or operating devices that interfere with radio and wireless communications in California. The measure creates a tiered system of offenses, ranging from infractions to felonies, based on how signal jammers are used and their impact on public safety systems.

The bill defines signal jammers as devices that intentionally block or interfere with authorized radio or wireless communications. Under the proposed law, manufacturing, importing, marketing, purchasing, selling, or operating these devices without Federal Communications Commission authorization would constitute either an infraction carrying a $500 fine or a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Both penalties include forfeiture of the jamming device. Using a signal jammer while committing another crime would result in a misdemeanor charge with maximum penalties of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The most serious offense - willfully blocking public safety communications with a jammer - could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.

Local and state law enforcement agencies retain authorization to use signal jammers in their operations. The measure aligns with existing federal prohibitions on radio interference while creating state-level enforcement mechanisms. While classified as a state-mandated local program, the bill includes provisions stating that local agencies and school districts do not require reimbursement for implementation costs.