This bill aims to provide free telecommunication services, including voice communication, video communication, and electronic mail, for incarcerated persons in State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities. It amends existing law to eliminate charges for these services, which previously allowed for fees of up to 11 cents per minute for domestic calls. The bill stipulates that all communication services must be provided at no cost to any party involved and mandates that correctional facilities cannot accept commissions or impose surcharges on these services. Additionally, it ensures that the same level of access to communication services is maintained as of January 1, 2024.

The legislation also includes provisions for the Department of Corrections and the Juvenile Justice Commission to establish uniform rules and regulations to ensure the security of these telecommunication services. It appropriates necessary funds for implementation, as certified by the relevant authorities, and allows for anticipatory administrative actions to facilitate timely execution. The sponsors emphasize that maintaining communication between incarcerated individuals and their families is crucial for successful reintegration into society, and they aim to alleviate the financial burden on families who often struggle with the costs associated with maintaining contact with their loved ones in correctional facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4-8.12, 30:4-8.13, 30:4-8.14