summary
Introduced
12/16/2025
12/16/2025
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall ensure that a committed person and the committed person's correspondents are not charged any fee, surcharge, or cost for mail communication or mail scanning services that exceed the standard postage rate set by the United States Postal Service. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person or correspondent any fee, surcharge, or cost for any incoming mail addressed to and received by the committed person, including any material received through mail scanning services. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person any fee, surcharge, or cost for outgoing mail delivery or mail scanning services that exceeds the postage rate set by the United States Postal Service for any outgoing mail. Provides that the Department or any third-party vendor that the Department contracts with, shall not impose any fee, surcharge, or cost to the committed person above the United States Postal Service rate for mail communication, including the delivery or scanning of mail. Provides that the Department shall not use the provision of voice communication services, mail communication, mail scanning services, or any other communication services to supplant in-person contact visits. Provides that the Department shall not receive revenue, directly or indirectly, from the provision of voice communications, mail communication, mail scanning services, or other communication services to a person in custody in any institutions and facilities of the Department. Provides that beginning July 1, 2027, the Department shall annually report to the General Assembly on the status of any communication services contracts and plans to consolidate contracts to maximize purchasing power for voice communication services, mail communication services, and all other communication services. Provides that the Department shall post the report on its website. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to regulate communication services in correctional facilities by establishing clear guidelines for mail communication and scanning services. The bill defines key terms such as "mail communication," "mail scanning services," and "voice communications," and mandates that the Department of Corrections cannot charge inmates or their correspondents any fees beyond standard postal rates for sending or receiving mail. The legislation prohibits the department from using communication services as a replacement for in-person visits and bars the department from receiving any revenue from communication services provided to incarcerated individuals. Starting July 1, 2027, the department will be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing communication service contracts, efforts to consolidate contracts, spending of appropriated funds, and usage data for communication services. The bill aims to ensure fair and affordable communication access for committed persons and prevent potential exploitation through excessive fees, with the goal of maintaining meaningful communication between inmates and their correspondents while protecting them from undue financial burden.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Rita Mayfield (D)*,
Dan Didech (D),
Laura Faver Dias (D),
Will Guzzardi (D),
Barbara Hernandez (D),
Maura Hirschauer (D),
Suzanne Ness (D),
Abdelnasser Rashid (D),
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi (on 02/27/2026)
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