This bill repeals a section of the General Laws that allows the Department of Corrections to charge inmates for phone calls. It also requires the Department of Corrections and other agencies to provide free communication services, such as voice communication, video communication, and electronic mail or messaging services, to inmates and juveniles held in correctional or detention facilities. Additionally, the bill requires these facilities to provide in-person contact visits. The bill would take effect upon passage.
Statutes affected: 2233: 42-56-38.1