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Bill

SB 378

State correctional facilities; DOC to provide telephone calls and communication services.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia would assume direct operation of prison phone and communication services from private contractors, potentially lowering inmate call costs while transferring operational expenses to the state budget.

Left in Finance and Appropriations
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Bill Summary · SB 378

Legislative bill overview

SB 378 requires Virginia's Department of Corrections to provide telephone and communication services to incarcerated individuals at state correctional facilities, rather than allowing private contractors to operate these services. The bill shifts responsibility and revenue control to the state DOC.

Why is this important

Prison communication services directly affect incarcerated individuals' ability to maintain family and legal connections during incarceration. This policy change has financial implications for both the state budget and the private companies currently operating these services, while potentially affecting calling costs for families of incarcerated people.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The state would assume operational costs of providing communication services; the fiscal impact statement raised questions about implementation expenses and whether this would increase DOC's budget burden
  • Service quality and technology: Private contractors may offer more advanced communication platforms; state-operated systems could face challenges matching technological capabilities or service reliability
  • Revenue loss: Private contractors currently generate revenue that may disappear; conversely, removing profit incentives could lower costs for families, though savings are uncertain

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

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