MD HB401

State correctional facilities must pay all telephone service costs for incarcerated individuals, eliminating charges to prisoners and call recipients effective July 1, 2026

Facilities must maintain a ratio of one telephone per ten incarcerated individuals

Telephone access cannot replace in-person visitation time, though facilities may suspend phone privileges for disciplinary reasons

Creates a Costs of Telephone Communications Advisory Committee with 15+ members including legislators, corrections officials, formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, and advocacy representatives to study implementation

Advisory Committee must report findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025, then automatically dissolves June 30, 2026