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RI S2984
Bill
Status
3/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Meghan Kallman
Click for details
AI Summary
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Repeals existing provisions allowing the Department of Corrections to charge inmates for telephone calls, including the debit/collect call system and rate regulations
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Requires all correctional facilities, local jail cells, and youth detention centers to provide free voice communication services to incarcerated individuals, with optional video and electronic messaging services also provided at no cost
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Mandates a minimum of either one telephone per 10 persons in custody or at least 2 telephones per housing unit, whichever is greater, in all adult and juvenile facilities
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Prohibits the Department of Corrections and any agency operating state prisons, local jails, or youth detention centers from receiving revenue from communication services provided to incarcerated persons
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Requires correctional facilities and youth 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 Senate Judiciary
3/4/2026