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 as of January 1, 2024, is maintained.

The bill 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 argue that maintaining communication between incarcerated individuals and their families is crucial for successful reentry into society, and they highlight the financial burden that current telecommunication costs impose on families. The bill reflects a growing trend in various states to eliminate such costs and promote better support systems for incarcerated individuals.

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