summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act would tell DOC to make some voice communications services free for persons in custody. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). Digest: The Act would tell DOC to give persons in custody access to some communication services for free. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). Requires the Department of Corrections to enter into a contract , or renegotiate an existing contract, with a third party to provide voice communications services at no cost to persons con- fined at a Department of Corrections institution. Prohibits the receipt of financial or in-kind compensation by the department for providing voice communications services to persons in custody. Directs the department to submit a progress report on the implementation of the Act to the Legislative Assembly by February 1, 2026, and a biennial report on certain data to the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15 of each even-numbered year.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide free voice communications services for incarcerated individuals, specifically mandating that any person confined in a DOC institution receive at least 60 minutes of free voice communications per day. Voice communications services are defined broadly to include telephone, cellular, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and other real-time audio communication technologies. The bill prohibits the DOC from receiving any financial or in-kind compensation from third-party communication service providers and prevents the department from limiting access to these services or using them to offset administrative costs. The DOC must submit biennial reports to the Legislative Assembly every even-numbered year, detailing the contracts for voice communications services, expenditures, and usage data. Additionally, the department must submit a progress report by February 1, 2026, on the implementation of these new requirements. The bill aims to reduce the financial burden of communication on incarcerated individuals and their families by ensuring free access to voice communication services within certain parameters.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (11)
Willy Chotzen (D)*,
Sara Gelser Blouin (D)*,
Courtney Neron Misslin (D)*,
Floyd Prozanski (D)*,
Tom Andersen (D),
Wlnsvey Campos (D),
Lew Frederick (D),
Chris Gorsek (D),
Zach Hudson (D),
Kayse Jama (D),
Lisa Reynolds (D),
Last Action
Referred to Ways and Means by order of Speaker. (on 04/09/2025)
Official Document
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