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SB 2984

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 8 co-sponsors

The bill requires the Department of Corrections to provide free, department-controlled inmate voice communication and in-person visits, with no revenue for providers or facilities.

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2984

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Session: 2026
  • Committee: Senate Judiciary
  • Sponsor(s): Kallman, Bissaillon, DiMario, Murray, Britto, Lauria, Acosta, Valverde, Gallo
  • Bill Number: SB 2984
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  • Introduced: March 4, 2026
  • Status: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (as of May 8, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to reform prisoner communication in Rhode Island by repealing current inmate telephone charges and requiring the Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide free, department-controlled communication services to inmates, juveniles in residential placements, and detainees. It also requires in-person visits and sets minimum standards for the provision of voice communication services, including no revenue-sharing with providers and no surcharges collected by facilities.

Key Provisions

Section 42-56-38.1 (Prisoner telephone use) – Revisions to telephone charges

  • Inmates may choose between debit or collect call systems.
  • Under debit, costs are automatically deducted from a dedicated inmate account, or funds can be placed in a prepaid telephone account.
  • Telephone service rates must not exceed the rates for comparable non-prison calls and must reflect the lowest reasonable cost to inmates and recipients.
  • Concessions agreements cannot include commissions payable to the state, and no inmate telephone surcharges may be imposed in addition to provider charges.

Section 42-56-38.3 (Prisoner telephone use – Communication with people confined to correctional facilities) – Free communication and access standards

  • DOC and related agencies must provide voice communication services to:
    • Inmates and detainees in custody,
    • People held by law enforcement pending an initial court appearance,
    • Individuals in local jail cells or youth residential placements/detention centers.
  • The department may supplement with other services (video calling, email/messaging), but all such services must be provided free of charge to both initiator and recipient.
  • Facilities must implement at least one of the following access standards:
    • A 10:1 ratio of inmates to operable voice devices/phones, or
    • At least 2 voice devices/phones per housing unit.
  • No entity (DOC, facilities, or local/joint agencies) may receive revenue from providing these communication services to confined individuals.
  • In-person contact visits must be provided.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Inmates and juveniles in residential placements or detention centers: Directly affected, with free voice communication and visits mandated.
  • Individuals in local jails and facilities operated by state or local law enforcement: Eligible for free voice communication services.
  • Department of Corrections and related agencies: Long-term funding and operational implications to ensure provision of free services, maintain equipment ratios, and prohibit revenue from communications.
  • Phone service providers: Prohibited from charging above comparable non-prison rates and barred from revenue-sharing arrangements with the state.
  • Families and loved ones of those confined: Potentially reduced or eliminated costs for inmate communication.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Legislative Process: Referred to Senate Judiciary; scheduled for hearing/consideration (as of May 12, 2026, per action history).

Explanatory Notes

  • The measure repeals existing authority allowing the DOC to charge inmates for phone calls.
  • It emphasizes free communications, including voice calls and supplementary services, within correctional facilities and youth placements.
  • It ensures physical visitation rights through in-person visits.
  • It sets minimum staffing/access standards for communication devices to ensure reliable inmate access.

Potential Implications

  • Budgetary: DOC would incur costs to provide free communication services and maintain equipment; offset considerations include eliminating revenue from inmate phone calls and prohibiting surcharges.
  • Compliance: Facilities must monitor and adhere to ratio or per-housing-unit device mandates.
  • Accessibility: Improved inmate and detainee access to communication with external parties and opportunities for in-person visitation.
  • Equity: Equal access to communication services across adult and juvenile facilities, local jails, and detention centers.

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

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