Bill > HB1506

This bill mandates that state and county correctional institutions provide free voice communication services to inmates, ensuring that each housing unit has at least two operable communication devices at a ratio of 10 inmates per device. The bill requires maintaining at least the same level of communication services that existed on January 1, 2024, and allows institutions to voluntarily offer additional communication services like video calls and email. Importantly, all communication services must be provided free of charge to inmates, with no fees or commissions charged for accessing or using these services. The bill explicitly prohibits using these communication services as a replacement for in-person visitation and requires that any state funding for these services can only be used for direct expenses from communication service vendors, with 30% of the allocated funds being distributed to counties based on their inmate population. The legislation defines "voice communication services" as real-time, audio-only communication through various technologies and "other communication services" as additional communication methods like video calls and electronic messages. The bill will take effect 180 days after its passage, providing time for correctional institutions to implement the new requirements.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1506