Bill > HB401

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for telephone communications in Maryland state correctional facilities, focusing on making phone calls free for incarcerated individuals. The legislation prohibits state correctional facilities and telephone service providers from charging incarcerated individuals or call recipients for telephone equipment and services. It mandates that facilities maintain a ratio of ten individuals per telephone and ensures that telephone access does not replace in-person visitation time. The bill also creates a Costs of Telephone Communications Advisory Committee composed of diverse stakeholders, including legislators, government officials, formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, and representatives from advocacy organizations. This committee will review prison phone call programs in other states, analyze data on telephone usage in Maryland correctional facilities, review existing contracts, and make recommendations to implement a no-charge phone call program efficiently. The committee is required to submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2025, with findings and recommendations. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, with the advisory committee's section expiring on June 30, 2026, after completing its review and reporting duties.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0401?ys=2025RS