HB 676 Summary

• Requires Hawaii youth and adult correctional facilities to provide free voice communication services to all incarcerated persons, effective July 1, 2025.

• Prohibits state agencies from deriving any revenue or financial benefit from communication services provided to incarcerated persons in state correctional facilities.

• Mandates that facilities maintain in-person visit programs and not use communication services as a replacement for visits.

• Directs the Public Utilities Commission to establish service quality standards and rules for free voice communication services and submit a report to the legislature by 40 days before the 2026 regular session.

• Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to provide free voice communication services to incarcerated persons.