What's happening
This bill requires that inmates receive free stamps, secure messages, and phone calls when visitation is suspended for any reason.
Why it matters
Helps maintain inmate-family connections. By ensuring free communication options when visitation is suspended, the bill supports the mental health and social stability of inmates, which research shows can reduce recidivism and improve outcomes upon release.
Addresses equity concerns. Suspending visitation disproportionately affects inmates from low-income families who may struggle to afford paid calls or messages; this bill provides a baseline of free access for all, reducing financial barriers to staying connected.
Improves transparency and fairness during emergencies. The measure formalizes inmates' rights to communication in times of crisis (such as pandemics or lockdowns), preventing arbitrary or prolonged isolation from loved ones when in-person visits aren’t possible.
Requires regulatory oversight. By authorizing the commissioner to set rules and regulations, the bill ensures there will be standardized procedures and oversight for implementing these communication privileges, potentially reducing inconsistencies across facilities.
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Who cares
People incarcerated in correctional facilities
They would receive at least seven free stamps, two free electronic-tablet secure messages and two free phone calls per week whenever visitation is suspended for any reason.
Families and friends of incarcerated people
The additional free correspondence, messages and calls would provide ways to stay in touch during visitation suspensions.
Correctional administrators
Facilities would have to provide these benefits in addition to other privileges, and the commissioner would be authorized to issue implementing rules.
Headline styles
Free Calls When Visits Suspended
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 14
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8173
IN SENATE
April 13, 2020
Introduced by Sen. COMRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to allowing certain additional privileges to inmates when visitation is suspended for any reason
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section 138-b to read as follows:
§ 138-b. Suspension of visitation privileges. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the event that the visitation of inmates is suspended due to a declaration of a state of emergency by the governor, a local official or for any other reason, each inmate in a correctional facility shall be allowed and shall receive, in addition to any other privilege:
(a) seven or more free stamps per week for use in accordance with Directive #4422, "Inmate Correspondence Program";
(b) two or more free secure messages per week via electronic tablet; and
(c) two or more free phone calls per week in accordance with Directive #4423, "Inmate Telephone Calls".
2. The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD16003-01-0
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to allowing certain additional privileges to inmates when visitation is suspended for any reason
Purpose
To ensure that individuals who are incarcerated still have the ability to connect with family and friends when actual in-person visitation is suspended, such as is the case now due to the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Summary of specific provisions
This bill amends the correction law to ensure that during period of time when in person visitation is suspended, all individuals shall receive the following: Seven or more free stamps per week for use in accordance with Directive 4422, "Inmate Correspondence Program"; Two or more free secure messages per week via electronic tablet; and Two or more free phone calls per week in accordance with Directive 4423 "Inmate Tele- phone Calls".
Justification
The connectivity of all individuals is of primary importance, partic- ularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. Given that the coronavirus disease (COVID-l9) has necessitated the suspension of all in-person visitation privileges at correctional facilities, it is wise to ensure that those who are isolated and vulnerable still have ways to meaning- fully contact friends, family and loved ones.
Prior legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.