Bill > HB461

This bill requires county, municipal, and state correctional facilities in Ohio to provide teletypewriters (TTY), which are communication devices used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have severe speech impairments, to inmates with these conditions at no cost. Specifically, the bill adds new sections to the Ohio Revised Code mandating that every county correctional facility (including jails, workhouses, and various types of multi-jurisdictional correctional centers), municipal correctional facility, and state correctional institution must provide TTY access to qualifying inmates. The legislation also explicitly prohibits these facilities from denying TTY access to inmates who are deaf, hard of hearing, or severely speech impaired. By requiring these communication devices, the bill aims to ensure that inmates with hearing or speech disabilities can effectively communicate while incarcerated, addressing potential barriers to communication and supporting their ability to stay connected with family, legal representatives, and support services.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb461