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RI H8117
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Leonela Felix
Click for details
AI Summary
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Repeals existing law that allowed inmates to be charged for telephone calls through debit or collect call systems and prohibited rates exceeding non-prison settings
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Requires the Department of Corrections, state prisons, local jail cells, and youth detention facilities to provide free voice communication services to all persons in custody, including those held pending initial court appearance
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Mandates facilities maintain at minimum either a 10-to-1 ratio of persons to operable telephones per housing unit, or at least 2 telephones per housing unit, whichever is greater
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Prohibits correctional facilities, local jails, and youth detention centers from receiving any revenue from communication services provided to incarcerated individuals
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Requires state prisons and youth residential placements or detention centers to provide in-person contact visits to persons in their custody
Legislative Description
Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.
State Affairs And Government
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/27/2026