Researcher: DC Page 1 4/14/21
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 972
AN ACT CONCERNING THE COST OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SERVICES IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SUMMARY
This bill requires, starting October 1, 2022, the Department of
Correction (DOC) to provide telephone services for inmates in
correctional facilities and allows the commissioner to supplement
phone services with other telecommunications services, including
video communication and email. Any communication service the
commissioner provides must be free of charge to the inmates and to
the people who initiate or receive the communication.
The bill prohibits (1) the DOC commissioner from supplanting in-
person contact visits inmates are eligible to receive with phone or other
communication services and (2) DOC from receiving revenue for
phone or telecommunications service to inmates on and after October
1, 2022.
The bill also repeals the laws requiring the Department of
Administrative Services to transfer some of the revenue derived from
inmate phone calls to:
1. the judicial department for probation transition program and
technical violation unit staff and services and
2. DOC to expand inmate educational services and re-entry
initiatives.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon p assage, except the repealer section is
effective on October 1, 2022.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee 2021SB-00972-R000453-BA.DOCX
Researcher: DC Page 2 4/14/21
Joint Favorable
Yea 24 Nay 13 (03/29/2021)