This bill would require the Connecticut Department of Corrections to provide telecommunications services at no cost to incarcerated people. It specifically applies to telephone calls, but also requires that if supplemental communications services (e.g. emails, video calls) are provided, they must also be available at no cost to incarcerated people. The bill also prohibits the DOC from receiving any revenues from communications vendors, and prohibits the DOC from limiting or replacing in-person visits based on the provision of communications services.
You can read the full text of the bill here.
Primary sponsor(s): Rep. Josh Elliott (D-Hamden), Rep. Joshua Hall (Hartford), Rep. Anne Hughes (D-Easton, Redding, Weston), Rep. Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden), Rep. Michael Winkler (D-Vernon), Rep. David Michel (D-Stamford)
Bill number: 6714
Status: Pending