Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1796

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to telephone service for inmates in all correctional and other penal institutions in the Commonwealth

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly alter how communication is facilitated within state correctional facilities. It stipulates that these services should be provided free of charge to both the initiating and receiving parties within 90 days of the law's enactment. This is a shift from the current practice where inmates often face high costs for phone services, which can lead to financial strain on families and deter maintaining vital social connections.

Summary

House Bill 1796 aims to reform the provisions regarding telephone services available to inmates across all correctional and penal institutions in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that these facilities provide adequate voice communication services, ensuring that incarcerated individuals can maintain contact with the outside world. This reform reflects a growing recognition of the importance of communication for rehabilitation, and it seeks to alleviate the financial burdens previously imposed on inmates and their families for phone use.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 1796, particularly regarding organizations that have previously profited from inmate telecommunications. By invalidating existing contracts that contain revenue-sharing provisions with law enforcement agencies, the bill may face pushback from those who benefit from the previous system. Additionally, concerns may arise over whether the new provisions will be implemented effectively and whether facilities will have the necessary infrastructure to support these changes without compromising other operational requirements.

Implementation

The bill also outlines that the Department of Correction and sheriffs are responsible for ensuring that voice services remain uninterrupted and accessible to each incarcerated person. This provision includes an extension to utilize tablets capable of calling and requires the reinstatement of access to physical phones when necessary. Critics argue about the bill's feasibility in terms of infrastructure and funding, especially in facilities where resources are already stretched.

Companion Bills

MA S1481

Similar To Relative to access to community corrections

MA H4517

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H1943

Relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth

MA H2422

Relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions

MA A5195

Requires State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to inmate or other party.

MA A1889

Requires State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to inmate or other party.

MA S2390

Requires State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to inmate or other party.

MA HB1506

In miscellaneous provisions relating to inmate confinement, providing for communications services for inmates in State or county correctional institutions.

MA H3272

To increase regional transit accessibility in the Commonwealth

MA H191

Relative to a livable wage for human services workers

MA H489

Providing affordable and accessible high-quality early education and care to promote child development and well-being and support the economy in the Commonwealth

MA SB1224

In miscellaneous provisions relating to official visitation, providing for communications services for inmates in State or county correctional institutions.

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