SB 800

This bill prohibits the Department of Corrections and counties from entering

into contracts for intrastate telecommunications service or video communication

service that is initiated from a telephone or video communication device designated

for use by inmates in a jail or state prison (inmate telephone or video communication

service) if those contracts do not comply with rules promulgated by DOC.

The bill requires DOC to promulgate rules regarding the rates, tolls, and

charges and the terms and conditions of inmate telephone or video communication

service. Under the bill, these rules must follow the principle that inmates, whether

convicted or awaiting trial, who place telephone calls or initiate video

communication, and persons receiving telephone calls or video communication from

inmates, should not be subject to rates, tolls, and charges that exceed those that

major, national prepaid wireless telephone providers charge their customers. The

bill also prohibits any rate, toll, or charge from being imposed for a telephone call or

video communication with an inmate's attorney placed from a telephone or video

communication device designated for use by inmates.

Before a county may enter into a contract for inmate telephone or video

communication service, the bill requires the county to submit the contract to DOC

for approval. Under the bill, DOC may not approve such a contract unless it complies

with its rules. The bill provides that a county contract entered into without prior

DOC approval is void.

Under the bill, a DOC contract for inmate telephone or video communication

service that violates DOC rules is void.