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Bill

HB 3118

Relating to communications services for persons in custody.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 9 co-sponsors

HB 3118 mandates Oregon correctional facilities provide affordable phone and video communications for incarcerated people to maintain family and legal connections.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3118

Legislative bill overview

HB 3118 expands communication services access for incarcerated individuals in Oregon by requiring jails and prisons to provide affordable phone and video calling options. The bill aims to reduce barriers that prevent people in custody from maintaining family and legal connections during their incarceration.

Why is this important

Maintaining family and legal connections during incarceration improves rehabilitation outcomes, reduces recidivism, and supports reentry success. High communication costs disproportionately burden low-income families, effectively limiting constitutional access to legal counsel and family relationships for economically disadvantaged incarcerated individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Debate over whether facilities or state should bear costs of reduced-price communications, and how this affects already-strained correctional budgets
  • Revenue impact: Corrections departments currently generate revenue from inmate communication contracts; this bill may reduce that income stream
  • Implementation standards: Disagreement over what constitutes "affordable" rates and how to enforce compliance across different facility types and operators
  • Security concerns: Questions about monitoring and security protocols for expanded communication access, particularly video calling capabilities

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

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