Bill > S04976

This bill amends the correction law to provide additional communication privileges to incarcerated individuals when visitation is suspended for seven or more consecutive days, regardless of the reason for suspension (such as a state of emergency declared by the governor or local officials). Specifically, during such a suspension, each incarcerated individual will be entitled to receive seven free postage stamps per week, two free secure electronic messages via tablet, and two free phone calls per week. These provisions are in addition to any existing privileges. The bill also authorizes the corrections commissioner to create rules and regulations necessary to implement these new communication allowances. The legislation will take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving correctional facilities time to prepare for and implement the new requirements. This bill aims to maintain some form of communication for incarcerated individuals during periods when in-person visitation is not possible, ensuring they can still connect with family and support networks.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4976