Bill > HB1301

This bill aims to reduce communication service fees for individuals confined in state facilities by mandating that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families provide free voice and other communication services to incarcerated individuals. Specifically, the bill requires these departments to offer voice communication services (phone calls) and potentially other communication services like video calls and electronic messaging at no cost to both the sender and receiver. The departments are prohibited from receiving any revenue from these services and must maintain at least the same level of communication access as of January 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires departments to provide tablets to confined individuals at no cost and maintain the same number of wall phones in housing units. The bill also mandates that contract details for telecommunication and electronic media services be publicly posted, including rates, fees, and usage information. Contracts must include a breakdown of all charges and an annual report detailing service usage, costs, and revenues. The legislation, known as the "Connecting Families Act," will take effect on December 1, 2025, with the goal of reducing financial burden on incarcerated individuals and their families when maintaining communication.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1301&Year=2025&Initiative=false