Creates provisions regarding the use of phones in correctional facilities
Impact
If enacted, HB 1679 will amend existing Missouri laws regarding inmate communication, particularly in Chapters 217 and 221 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. This amendment will ensure that both jails and correctional centers must follow the established rate limitations. Such changes will likely facilitate greater communication access for inmates, which is essential for maintaining family ties and supporting rehabilitation efforts. This is particularly significant given the previous trend of steep charges for inmate phone calls, which have raised concerns about fairness and the financial burden on inmates' families.
Summary
House Bill 1679 introduces new provisions regarding the use of phone services in correctional facilities, specifically addressing the costs charged for inmate phone calls. The bill mandates correctional centers to provide reasonable access to phones for offenders during their confinement. A key component of the legislation is the stipulation that no correctional facility or third party may charge inmates more than 12 cents per minute for domestic phone calls. This statute aims to eliminate excessive fees often imposed on incarcerated individuals, thereby improving their ability to communicate with family and legal representatives.
Contention
While the bill has received support for its intent to provide fairer phone services, there are points of contention that may arise from its implementation. Critics may argue that the revenue generated from inmate phone services supports essential services in correctional facilities, and capping rates may reduce funding for programs that benefit inmates. Additionally, concerns about how these changes might impact the contracts correctional facilities have with phone service providers could also be raised. Stakeholders in the correctional system may have differing views on the balance between maintaining affordable communication for inmates and ensuring the fiscal viability of correctional services.