Minnesota House Bill HF487

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

No charge provided for phone calls for health care by persons incarcerated in county jail.

Impact

With the passage of HF487, there will be a significant shift in the financial obligations placed on incarcerated individuals regarding healthcare communication. Currently, many jails may charge inmates for phone services, creating barriers to communication with healthcare providers. Eliminating these charges may improve access to mental health services and overall healthcare for those within the correctional system, ultimately benefiting public health outcomes for both inmates and the wider community.

Summary

House File 487 (HF487) proposes to ensure that individuals incarcerated in county jails are not charged for phone calls made for healthcare purposes. This bill aims to facilitate better access to necessary health services for incarcerated individuals, thereby promoting their well-being during detention. Additionally, the bill outlines that counties must not charge these individuals for calls to various healthcare-related resources, including MNsure navigators and mental health providers.

Contention

While the bill promotes healthcare access, it may face scrutiny over funding and logistical considerations. Critics may raise concerns about how counties will manage the potential loss in revenue from phone charges and whether this could affect jail operations. Furthermore, the bill opens a dialogue regarding the accountability and resources available for mental health services for incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the need for a well-structured implementation plan to ensure that these services are effectively integrated into correctional facilities.