The proposed bill aims to implement a surcharge on inmate phone calls to help cover the costs associated with security needs related to inmate communications. The General Assembly has found that the Secretary of the Department of Corrections is authorized to impose this surcharge, which will be used to offset expenses for equipment and operations necessary for maintaining security during inmate communications. Additionally, county sheriffs are also granted the authority to assess a similar surcharge for calls made from county jails.

The bill amends existing Arkansas Code to specify that the funds collected from these surcharges will be allocated solely for security-related expenses. It establishes guidelines for the use of these funds and sets a framework for determining the surcharge amount, which will be established by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State in consultation with relevant authorities and subject to the Governor's approval. The bill also outlines the maximum allowable costs for inmate calls, ensuring that they do not exceed federal limits.

Statutes affected:
HB 1953: 12-27-128, 12-29-119, 12-41-105