IL HB4235

Prohibits the Illinois Department of Corrections from charging incarcerated persons or their correspondents any fees for mail communication or mail scanning services beyond standard U.S. Postal Service postage rates

Bars the Department and any third-party vendors from imposing surcharges on incoming mail, outgoing mail delivery, or mail scanning services for incarcerated persons

Prohibits the Department from receiving any revenue, directly or indirectly, from voice communications, mail services, or other communication services provided to incarcerated persons

Requires that communication services (phone calls, video calls, electronic messages) cannot be used to replace in-person contact visits

Beginning July 1, 2027, mandates annual reports to the General Assembly on communication services contracts, including rates charged, expenditure details, and monthly usage data for all communication services