Minnesota House Bill HF2812

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/25
• Refer: 3/26/25

Caption

Commissioner of corrections required to charge a fee for incarcerated person communication services.

Impact

The bill has significant implications on existing practices within correctional institutions regarding inmate communication. By requiring these services to be fee-based, the legislation may influence accessibility for incarcerated individuals and their families. However, it is specifically noted that the fees should not exceed the actual costs of providing communication services, which seeks to balance revenue generation for the state with the need for affordable communication options for inmates.

Summary

House File 2812 mandates that the Commissioner of Corrections in Minnesota charge a fee for communication services offered to incarcerated individuals. This legislation amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 241.252, and establishes that adult and juvenile correctional facilities must provide these services which include voice, video, and electronic communication under certain conditions. This bill aims to manage the costs associated with these services while ensuring that necessary communication is not compromised.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HF2812 is the potential restriction it places on communication accessibility for incarcerated individuals. Opponents might argue that imposing fees could limit meaningful contact between inmates and their loved ones, particularly for those who may struggle to afford these costs. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of existing communication infrastructure to handle these services effectively without relying solely on fee generation.

Additional_notes

This bill includes provisions that ensure the maintenance of in-person visitation programs, indicating an effort to balance modern communication methods with traditional visiting rights. Furthermore, the Department of Corrections is required to report on the financial aspects of these communication services, which aims to provide transparency into the handling and utilization of funds related to inmate communication.