New York Assembly Bill A7658A: Providing voice communication service to incarcerated people at no cost.
This bill would require New York to provide free calls for people incarcerated in jails and prisons. It forbids state and local agencies from generating revenue through communications services, and if services other than phone calls (including video calls and email) are provided to incarcerated people, they must be provided at no cost. The bill specifies that incarcerated people must be allowed access to voice communication services for a minimum of ninety minutes per day. Finally, the bill stipulates that the obligation to provide communication services at no cost may not be used to limit, replace, or prevent in-person visitation.
You can read the full text of the legislation here.
Primary sponsor(s): Walter T. Mosley, Dan Quart, Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: Assembly Bill A7658A
Status: Pending
Recommended Articles
The Economic Losses from Arrest and Conviction Records
In some states, a person must pay off all fines and fees to be eligible to seal their record. This report by the Clean Slate Initiative demonstrates a...
The Economic Losses from Arrest and Conviction Records
Joint Interim Study Commission on Court Costs
Joint Interim Study Commission on Court Costs
Local Court Fee Increases Associated with Increased Jail Detention
Local Court Fee Increases Associated with Increased Jail Detention
Calls and Conduct: The Impact of Free Communication on Prison Misconduct
Calls and Conduct: The Impact of Free Communication on Prison Misconduct
The Cost We No Longer Pay: How Fines and Fees Reform Delivered Billions in Relief for Families
The Cost We No Longer Pay: How Fines and Fees Reform Delivered Billions in Relief for Families