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Bill

Bill

S 436

Provides free telecommunication services for incarcerated persons at State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Gordon Johnson and 5 co-sponsors

Bill requires New Jersey correctional facilities to provide free phone and video communication services to incarcerated adults and juveniles, shifting costs from inmates to taxpayers and facilities.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 436

Legislative bill overview

S 436 would mandate that State, county, and private correctional facilities in New Jersey provide free telecommunications services to incarcerated individuals, including both adults and juveniles. Currently, most facilities charge incarcerated persons for phone calls, video visits, and other communication services, generating revenue that facilities and service providers depend on.

Why is this important

Incarcerated individuals typically earn little to no wages while confined, making paid communication services a significant financial burden on them and their families. This bill could substantially impact family relationships and reentry outcomes, as communication with outside support networks is associated with lower recidivism rates. However, it also represents a significant cost shift from incarcerated persons and service providers to taxpayers and correctional budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Correctional facilities and the state budget would absorb substantial costs currently offset by telecom revenue; estimates of this financial impact are unclear
  • Service sustainability: Unclear whether facilities would reduce call duration limits or video visit quality if revenues disappear, potentially undermining the bill's intent
  • Revenue dependency: County jails and private facilities currently rely on telecom commissions as revenue sources; elimination could require new funding mechanisms or service reductions elsewhere
  • Implementation scope: Ambiguity about whether "free" includes all communication types (calls, video, email, messaging) and whether it applies equally to security-level restrictions

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

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