MN SF4387

State adult and juvenile correctional facilities must provide confined persons with free voice communication services and may supplement with video calls and electronic messaging, continuing at least the services offered as of January 1, 2023.

Neither confined persons nor those receiving their communications may be charged for voice or other communication services provided, which cannot be limited beyond program participation and routine facility policies.

Agencies operating facilities are prohibited from receiving revenue from communication services, except for commissions on contracts entered into before January 1, 2023.

Facilities must maintain in-person visitation programs and cannot use communication services to replace or count toward in-person visitation limits, except during declared emergencies or natural disasters.

Departments must annually report on communication contract status, renegotiation efforts, rates charged, spending of appropriated funds, and usage data; non-corrections agencies must report to the commissioner of corrections by January 15, with a summary submitted to legislative committees by March 15.