NY A02164

State agencies operating state prisons, youth residential placements, and detention centers must provide voice communication services to incarcerated individuals at no cost to both the caller and recipient.

State agencies may supplement voice communication with video communication and electronic mail or messaging services, all provided free of charge.

State agencies are prohibited from receiving any revenue from providing voice or other communication services to incarcerated individuals in state facilities.

State agencies must maintain in-person visit programs and cannot use communication services to replace existing visitation programs.

The law takes effect April 1, 2025 and applies to all new or renewal contracts for voice communication services entered into on or after that date; existing contracts must expire by March 31, 2025.