Bill > A02266

This bill mandates that state correctional facilities and youth detention centers provide free voice communication services to incarcerated individuals, ensuring that both the person initiating and receiving the call do not incur any charges. The legislation specifically prohibits state agencies from generating revenue from these communication services and requires that such services supplement, but not replace, existing in-person visitation programs. Agencies may also offer additional communication services like video calls or electronic messaging, but these must also be provided at no cost to the individuals. The bill will take effect on April 1, 2026, and will apply to all new or renewed communication service contracts after that date, with existing contracts required to terminate by March 31, 2026. By eliminating communication costs for incarcerated individuals, the bill aims to support maintained connections between inmates and their families or support networks without financial barriers.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2266