Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to revise the management of communication services for incarcerated individuals in Minnesota. It introduces a requirement for the commissioner of corrections to charge for communication services while setting limits on the fees and outlining conditions for service provision.

Main Provisions

• Fee Implementation: The bill mandates that state facilities charge fees for voice communication services, such as phone calls, provided to incarcerated persons. The fees should not exceed the actual cost of offering these services.
• Service Supplements: Facilities have the option to offer additional fee-based services, including video communication and email or electronic messaging.
• Continued Services: At a minimum, facilities must continue offering the same communication services that were available as of January 1, 2023.
• Free of Charge Circumstances: There should be no charges for either the person initiating or receiving the communication if voice communication services are offered under state program participation and routine facility policies.
• Revenue Restrictions: State agencies are prohibited from generating revenue from communication services, except for ongoing contracts established before January 1, 2023, which might include commission collections.
• Visitation Programs: Facilities are required to maintain in-person visitations, and communication services cannot replace these programs unless waived during emergencies or disasters.
• Reporting Requirements: The Department of Corrections must report on the communication contracts, rates, expenditures, and usage data as part of its annual performance report detailing communication services.

Significant Changes

The bill modifies existing law by introducing a fee structure for communication services, barring the state from profiting or generating new revenue from these services, and ensuring in-person visitation remains a priority over digital communication alternatives.

Relevant Terms

• Incarcerated persons
• Voice communication services
• Video communication
• Electronic messaging
• In-person visitation
• Department of Corrections
• Fees and revenue restrictions