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S 1689

An Act eliminating no cost calls for violent incarcerated individuals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 1 co-sponsor

Bill removes no-cost calling privileges for incarcerated individuals convicted of violent crimes, requiring them to pay for all phone calls while imprisoned.

Accompanied a study order, see S2798
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Bill Summary · S 1689

Legislative bill overview

S 1689 proposes eliminating no-cost calling privileges for incarcerated individuals who have committed violent offenses. The bill would require these inmates to pay for all phone calls while imprisoned, a departure from current Massachusetts policy that provides some free calling access.

Why is this important

Prison phone access directly affects inmates' ability to maintain family relationships, coordinate legal defense, and facilitate reentry planning. This policy change could have significant consequences for incarcerated individuals' support networks and rehabilitation prospects, while potentially generating revenue for the state correctional system.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: How "violent" crimes are defined will determine who loses phone privileges—this could be narrow (violent felonies only) or expansive, affecting thousands of inmates
  • Constitutional and humanitarian concerns: Critics may argue that restricting communication violates due process rights or creates undue punishment beyond the sentence itself
  • Equity issues: Low-income families already struggle with collect-call costs; this disproportionately affects those unable to afford paid calls, potentially weakening family bonds critical to reducing recidivism
  • Practical effectiveness: Limited evidence suggests phone restrictions meaningfully reduce institutional violence or improve public safety outcomes
  • Implementation costs: Systems changes to segregate calling privileges by offense type require administrative infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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