HB1953
To Provide For A Surcharge To Be Assessed On Inmate Phone Calls To Offset The Costs Of Security Needs Associated With Inmate Communications.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1953 authorizes the Arkansas Department of Corrections and county sheriffs to impose a surcharge on inmate telephone and video calls. The revenue generated from these surcharges is intended to offset costs associated with security needs related to inmate communication systems. The bill dictates that the funds collected by state facilities must be deposited into the Division of Correction Nontax Revenue Receipts Fund, while funds collected by county sheriffs are to be credited to the county sheriff’s office communications facility and equipment fund. The amount of the surcharge is to be determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, following consultation with relevant authorities and approval by the Governor. Additionally, the bill maintains specific caps on the cost per minute for intrastate calls, referencing standards set by the Federal Communications Commission as of January 1, 2021. The Board of Corrections is tasked with establishing guidelines for the authorized use of these funds.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are state and county correctional facilities. These agencies benefit by receiving an additional revenue stream specifically earmarked for the security costs, equipment, and operational needs associated with managing inmate communication services, thereby potentially reducing the burden on general taxpayer-funded budgets for these specific security expenses.
Who Might Suffer?
Incarcerated individuals and their families or friends are the primary groups negatively impacted. By allowing the addition of a surcharge to the existing cost of phone and video calls, the bill increases the financial burden on inmates and the people they communicate with, potentially reducing the frequency or quality of contact between inmates and their support networks.
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