S 4160 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Provides voice communication service to incarcerated people at no cost; repealer

This bill (S 4160) requires state correctional facilities to provide free voice communication services (like phone calls) to incarcerated individuals, with no cost to the person initiating or receiving the call. It prohibits state agencies from charging fees or generating revenue from these communication services and mandates that in-person visit programs remain available - digital services cannot replace them. The law repeals an existing correction law section and takes effect April 1, 2026, applying to new or renewed communication contracts after that date. It directly affects incarcerated people in state prisons and youth detention centers by guaranteeing free access to basic voice communication.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 3, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
upper
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors