This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 241.252, to require the commissioner of corrections to charge a fee for communication services provided to incarcerated persons. The bill specifies that the services offered must include voice communication, video communication, and electronic messaging, and the fees charged must not exceed the actual cost of providing these services. The previous requirement for free communication services has been removed, and the bill emphasizes that facilities must maintain in-person visitation programs, although the commissioner can waive this requirement during emergencies or disasters.

Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for the Department of Corrections. It mandates that the department include in its annual performance report the amount of funds spent on communication services for incarcerated persons and the revenue generated from telecommunication fees. The previous requirement to report on efforts to renegotiate communication contracts has been deleted, and the report will now focus on expenditures and usage data for all communication services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 241.252