BILL NUMBER: S4160
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to providing voice
communication services to incarcerated individuals at no cost; and to
repeal section 623 of the correction law related thereto
 
PURPOSE:
To eliminate the cost of phone calls of incarcerated individuals in
state facilities when calling family and friends living in the United
States.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill repeals section 623 of the Correction Law and
adds a new a new section 623 to effectuate the purpose of this bill.
This new section establishes the rules governing communication with
people confined to correctional facilities. It also clarifies that the
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shall not accept or
receive any revenue for administering telephone services.
 
EXISTING LAW:
None.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Most incarcerated New Yorkers have low low-incomes and are unable to pay
to keep in touch with their families, friends, and clergy. The cost of
daily calls can be a strain on a family's finances. Families should not
have to choose between paying their utility or food bill and speaking to
their loved one.
Telephone calls allow parents and guardians to keep in touch with their
children and help keep families intact after the incarcerated individual
is released. It can be a critical lifeline for families and the incar-
cerated person.
In 2019, New York City made phone calls from its jails free. In 2020, in
response to the COVID-19 crisis, DOCCS provided free calls for incarcer-
ated people for a limited amount of time. These advancements demonstrate
the practicality of this proposed legislation. Expanding the basic right
of communication for inmates in the rest of the state will better
prepare them for successful re-entry into their communities.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S3512 - Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
2023-24: S1942 - Reported and Committed to Finance
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect April 1, 2026 and shall apply to any new or
renewal contract for voice communication services for incarcerated indi-
viduals or other advanced communication services entered into on or
after such date and provided further that any new or renewal contract
for voice communication services for incarcerated individuals or other
advanced communication services entered into prior to April 1, 2026
shall not run past March 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S4160: 623 correction law