S.C. Governor Signs Bill Criminalizing Contraband Phones in Prison

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed legislation that creates a criminal offense for unlawfully possessing a telecom device in state prison, the governor’s office said Tuesday. The state law covers devices including cellphones, handheld radios, pagers and laptops, as well as components of such devices. However, it allows the South Carolina Department of Corrections director to authorize an inmate to have a device. “The use of contraband cell phones and other communication devices to orchestrate crime both inside and outside of prison has been a serious threat that has had devastating consequences for innocent people across our state," said McMaster.