Bill > HF1861

This bill modifies regulations regarding communication services for confined persons in Minnesota, requiring state facilities under the control of the Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services to provide free voice and other communication services to confined individuals. The bill mandates that facilities must continue to offer at least the same level of communication services they provided as of January 1, 2023, and prohibits charging individuals for these services. Key provisions include maintaining in-person visitation programs alongside communication services, preventing the use of communication services to replace in-person visits, and prohibiting facilities from receiving revenue from communication services. The bill also requires detailed annual reporting by the Department of Corrections about communication contracts, spending, and service usage, with expanded definitions of "facility" to include both correctional and human services settings. For facilities under human services, the bill specifies that communication service costs cannot be included in patient care costs and ensures that communication services for civilly committed persons remain subject to existing legal restrictions. The overall goal appears to be improving communication access for confined individuals while maintaining appropriate oversight and preventing financial exploitation.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1861&ssn=0&y=2025