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. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for the state to provide these services for free and eliminates the prohibition on state agencies receiving revenue from communication services.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections report on the funds expended for communication services and the revenue generated from telecommunication fees in its annual performance report. It also maintains the requirement for facilities to offer in-person visitation and allows for waivers of this requirement during emergencies or disasters. Definitions for "voice communications" and "other communication services" are provided to clarify the types of services covered under this legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 241.252