MN HF1861

Expands free communication services requirements from state correctional facilities to include facilities operated by the Department of Human Services and the Direct Care and Treatment executive board

Prohibits agencies operating confinement facilities from receiving any revenue from communication services, eliminating a previous exception that allowed collecting commissions on contracts entered before January 1, 2023

Requires communication services, including video calls, not be used to replace in-person visitation programs or count toward a confined person's visitation limit

Mandates annual reporting on communication contract status, renegotiation efforts, rates charged, spending of appropriated funds, and monthly usage data, with non-corrections agencies reporting to the commissioner by January 15 and a summary submitted to legislative committees by March 15

Prohibits including the cost of communication services in the cost of care for civilly committed patients while maintaining existing restrictions on communications for civilly committed persons under sections 253B.03 and 253D.19