A bill coauthored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), created to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, was signed into law by President Joe Biden.
The Safe Connections Act helps victims of domestic violence cut ties with their abusers by separating them from shared wireless service plans, which can be used to monitor, stalk or control victims.
“Giving domestic violence abusers control over their victims’ cell phones is a terrifying reality for many survivors,” Schatz said, according to his website. “Right now there is no easy way out for these victims. They’re trapped in by contracts and hefty fees. Our new law will help survivors get out of these shared plans and help victims stay connected with their families and support networks.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) helped Schatz author the bill. “This new law will help survivors of domestic violence regain their independence and free their communications from abusers’ control,” Fischer said, according to Schatz's website. “It’s another important step toward ensuring all victims of domestic violence have the support they need and deserve.”
The Safe Connections Act allows survivors to separate a mobile phone line from any shared plan involving an abuser without penalties or other requirements. This includes lines of any dependents in their care. The law also requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a rulemaking proceeding 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. The law requires the FCC to establish rules that would ensure any calls or texts to hotlines do not appear on call logs.
The Safe Connections Act is supported by a number of self-help groups, including Access Now, the Clinic to End Tech Abuse at Cornell University, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the International Justice Mission and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.