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HF 2812

Commissioner of corrections required to charge a fee for incarcerated person communication services.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Van Binsbergen and 6 co-sponsors

Requires Minnesota DOC to charge fees for incarcerated communication services, shifting costs to inmates and families.

Author added Schwartz
#correctionsandcorrectionsdepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 2812

HF 2812: Commissioner of Corrections Required to Charge a Fee for Incarcerated Person Communication Services

Overview

HF 2812 would require the Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections to charge a fee for incarcerated person communication services. The bill is sponsored by Schwartz and has been introduced and referred to committee, with a companion bill in the Senate (SF 3481).

Legislative history

  • Introduction and first reading: March 26, 2025; referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
  • Subsequent action: March 27, 2025 — author Schwartz added as the bill’s sponsor
  • Related bill: SF 3481 (companion)

Purpose and intent

  • The core aim is to establish a fee structure for communication services provided to incarcerated individuals. The bill signals a shift toward fee-based access to communications, with the expectation that the Department of Corrections (DOC) would collect fees for these services.

Key provisions (as disclosed)

  • Requires the Commissioner of Corrections to charge a fee for incarcerated person communication services.
  • Specifics on fee levels, eligible services (e.g., phone calls, electronic messaging, letters, video visits), exemptions, waivers, or revenue uses are not provided in the summary available here. The exact framework, rates, and administrative details would be determined in the bill’s text or accompanying fiscal notes.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Incarcerated individuals within Minnesota correctional facilities.
  • Indirectly affected: Families and friends who communicate with incarcerated individuals; DOC facilities and administration; potentially the Department’s budget and operations due to fee revenues.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and first reading occurred March 26, 2025, with referral to Public Safety Finance and Policy.
  • The bill’s progress will depend on committee action, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House.
  • A companion bill exists in the Senate (SF 3481), which may influence or mirror HF 2812’s provisions.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal: If implemented, the DOC would generate revenue from communications fees, potentially offsetting some costs of inmate communications.
  • Access and equity: Fees could affect the ease and frequency of communications between incarcerated individuals and their families, raising policy considerations about access to contact while incarcerated.
  • Administrative: Implementing a fee system would require administrative processes, rate setting, collection mechanisms, and potential waivers or exemptions.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor updates from the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee for hearings, amendments, and fiscal analyses.
  • Review SF 3481 for Senate counterpart language and potential alignment or differences.
  • Await the full text of HF 2812 to assess specific fee structures, exemptions, and implementation timelines.

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

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