House Democrats Introduce Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act

Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., introduced the Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act (HR-5834) Thursday. The measure would “prohibit mobile service providers from providing service on smart phones that have been reported stolen,” “require smart phones to be equipped with anti-theft functionality and mobile device identification numbers” and “prohibit the alteration or removal of mobile device identification numbers of smart phones,” said the text, provided by an Engel spokesman. The one co-sponsor is Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., and it has been referred to the Commerce Committee.