Safe Connections Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7132, the Safe Connections Act, which was introduced by Representatives Kuster, Walberg, and Eshoo.

The Safe Connections Act will help streamline the process for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes, as well as their dependents, to leave a shared mobile phone contract with their abuser.

Survivors of domestic abuse routinely experience digital abuse, stalking, and coercion through the use of a shared cell phone plan. This can lead to instability for survivors and make it even more difficult to escape an abusive relationship.

Abusers that share a mobile plan with a survivor of domestic abuse often monitor the location of their victim as well as their call and text history, which could provide an abuser insight into a victim's support network, family, friends, and coworkers.

As survivors begin the process of rebuilding their lives following domestic violence, it can be difficult to leave a shared mobile phone contract with their abuser. No Federal law requires mobile service providers to allow victims to leave their family plans very easily. While some States require victims to get a court order to leave a family plan, other States allow victims to leave family plans without a court order but instead compel victims to supply phone companies with evidence of their abuse.

The Safe Connections Act would require a mobile service provider to complete a line separation request within 2 business days, provide clarity to survivors on how to submit the request, and permit survivors to receive confirmation that the request is complete by remote means.

The legislation would also limit mobile service providers from making the line separation request contingent on paying an early termination fee, maintaining a contract with the provider, or requiring approval of separation by the primary account holder.

The Safe Connections Act is a step forward in helping domestic violence survivors and their dependents leave abusive situations.

Madam Speaker, it is very important that the House acts favorably on this piece of legislation because when you are thinking about what survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes go through--and also their dependents--it is absolutely essential that this piece of legislation be favorably acted on by the House.

We want to make sure that an individual can leave these plans but also still be able to remain connected with their friends and family and other individuals out there.

Madam Speaker, I ask that the House support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, having no further speakers, I also urge Members on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 7132.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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