Providing for unlimited free phone calls to incarcerated individuals
Impact
The implications of HB 4052 are significant in terms of both state laws and the correctional system. By making phone calls free, this bill seeks to reduce the financial burden on families and friends of incarcerated individuals who often face high costs for communication. This measure is framed as part of broader justice reform initiatives focused on improving the welfare of those incarcerated and facilitating their communication with the outside world, which is crucial for maintaining relationships and supporting reintegration into society post-release.
Summary
House Bill 4052, titled 'An Act providing for unlimited free phone calls to incarcerated individuals', aims to amend Chapter 127 of the General Laws in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that the Massachusetts Department of Correction and local sheriffs provide free voice communication services to individuals currently committed to state prisons, county correctional facilities, or any other correctional institution. The provision of these services is meant to include not just phone calls, but potentially other forms of communication such as video and electronic messaging, ensuring both the initiating and receiving parties incur no cost.
Contention
However, the bill has been subject to discussions regarding its funding and infrastructure implications for state facilities. Concerns have been raised about whether the Department of Correction can sustain the necessary technological upgrades and maintenance without diverting funds from other critical areas. Additionally, while many support the concept of free communication as a right for incarcerated individuals, opposition may emerge around the practicality of implementation and potential impacts on existing contracts with service providers. The bill does not affect current contracts on implementation but suggests a consolidation approach for future negotiations, which might face scrutiny from various stakeholders.
Similar To
Relative to requiring the Highway Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to establish a department and licensure process to oversee quarries producing concrete aggregate
Replaced by
Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2024 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements
Replaced by
So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024 (see House, No. 4040) as relates to Attachments A through G, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4055). August 9, 2023
Phone calls and other communication devices related duties of certain facilities that confine people modifications and phone calls and other communications related duties of certain direct care and treatment programs specifications