Relating to communications services for persons in custody.
Summary
] Requires the Department of Corrections to enter into a contract , or renegotiate an existing contract, with a third party to provide voice communications services at no cost to persons confined at a Department of Corrections institution. Prohibits the receipt of financial or in-kind compensation by the department for providing voice communications services to persons in custody. Directs the department to submit a progress report on the implementation of the Act to the Legislative Assembly by February 1, 2026, and a biennial report on certain data to the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15 of each even-numbered year.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025
Last action Jun 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
A-Engrossed
·
5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to narrow its scope from all communications services to only voice communications services. It also added a new provision requiring free minutes based on usage thresholds (60+ minutes per day) and changed the reporting deadline from February 1, 2026 to September 15, 2026 for the first biennial report.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed from covering all communication services (voice, video, and text) to only voice communications services.
SCOPE
Changed from 'communications services' to 'voice communications services' throughout the bill, removing video and text messaging from the free service requirement.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new provision requiring the department to provide at least 60 minutes of free voice communications per day for inmates who use 60 or more minutes, and free service for those using fewer than 60 minutes.
Added language requiring the department to renegotiate existing contracts if needed to implement the free voice communications services.
TIMELINE
Changed the deadline for the first biennial report from February 1, 2026 to September 15, 2026.
DEFINITION
Added a specific definition for 'voice communications services' to clarify the scope of the free service requirement.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Jun 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
In committee upon adjournment.
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways and Means by order of Speaker.
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means.
lower
Jan 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary.
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
3 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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