AZ HB2856

Requires the Arizona Department of Corrections to provide all prisoners with voice communication services and may supplement with video, email, or other messaging services.

Prohibits the department from limiting prisoner access to communication services below the level allowed before this law's effective date.

Prohibits the department from receiving any commissions or charges from communication services used by prisoners or from charging prisoners and outside individuals for communicating with each other.

Requires the department to maintain in-person visits for prisoners and prohibits using communication services as a replacement for in-person visitation.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state general fund to the Department of Corrections in fiscal year 2024-2025 to implement these provisions, with funds exempt from lapsing.