THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2629
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to incarcerated persons.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the families of incarcerated persons often struggle financially, which makes phone fees especially burdensome.  The legislature also finds that eliminating phone fees for incarcerated persons is a matter of economic equity, as the fees disproportionately burden families with lower incomes.  The legislature further finds that regular contact with family members increases the likelihood that incarcerated persons will be able to reintegrate into society after their sentences have concluded.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of corrections and rehabilitation to make phone calls free for incarcerated persons who have been convicted or are detained and awaiting a verdict.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353-    Free phone calls for committed persons.  (a)  The department shall provide all committed persons and persons detained and awaiting a verdict with voice communication services, including phone calls, free of charge to the person initiating and the person receiving the communication; provided that no facility with custody of committed persons or persons awaiting a verdict shall offer access to voice communication services less than the services that were offered and available at the facility on January 1, 2024.

     (b)  The department may supplement voice communication services for committed persons and persons detained awaiting a verdict with other communication services, including but not limited to video and electronic communication services; provided that other communication services for committed persons and persons detained awaiting a verdict shall not replace voice communication services and shall be provided free of charge to the person initiating and the person receiving the communication."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title:

DCR; Incarcerated Persons; Free Phone Calls

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to make phone calls free for incarcerated persons who have been convicted or are detained and awaiting a verdict.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.