HF1861

The bill mandates that state-run correctional and human services facilities in Minnesota provide free voice communication services to incarcerated individuals, juveniles, and patients in direct care and treatment programs. It ensures that neither the caller nor the recipient bears any cost for these services. Additionally, facilities may offer supplementary communication options like video calls and electronic messaging but cannot use them as replacements for in-person visits.

The legislation prohibits state agencies from generating revenue from communication services, except for contracts in place before January 1, 2023. It requires the Department of Corrections to provide annual reports on communication contract status, spending, and service usage.

The bill also extends these communication rights to patients in state-run treatment programs, ensuring that service costs are not included in patient care expenses, while maintaining restrictions on communication for individuals subject to legal restrictions, such as protection orders.